Lexington council advances new data center zoning rules, extends moratorium to 2027
The Lexington-Fayette Urban County Council unanimously approved ordinances creating new zoning rules for data centers in Fayette County, including restrictions on where facilities can be built and requirements related to size, energy, water use and setbacks. The council also extended the county's data center development moratorium through October 2027.
The Lexington-Fayette Urban County Council unanimously approved two ordinances regulating future data center development in Fayette County. The measures remove data centers as a primary use in six zoning categories, establish a framework for a separate data center zoning category and direct the Planning Commission to develop detailed rules covering facility size, energy and water use, and setbacks from buildings such as schools.
The council also extended its moratorium on data center permits, development plans and zoning changes through October 2027. Council member Emma Curtis said the actions would create a more transparent process and require prospective developers to seek a zoning change before proceeding, giving local officials additional time to determine how data centers should be regulated.