Lexington extends data center moratorium until October 2027
The Lexington-Fayette Urban County Council unanimously extended the moratorium on new data center development until October 2027. The council also revised proposed zoning rules that would limit smaller facilities to industrial zones, ban facilities larger than 50,000 square feet, impose noise limits and cap energy use.
The Lexington-Fayette Urban County Council voted unanimously to extend Lexington's moratorium on new data center development through October 2027 after three hours of public comment. Residents cited environmental effects, higher electric bills and quality-of-life concerns, while business representatives requested additional time to avoid unintended consequences from proposed zoning rules.
The council revised the proposed ordinance to allow smaller data centers only in industrial zones, prohibit facilities larger than 50,000 square feet, limit noise to 30 decibels and cap energy use at 25 megawatts. It also asked the planning commission to develop a separate zoning classification for minor data centers. Council members are expected to revisit the issue, while state lawmakers may consider additional data center regulations in 2027.