Mercer County Planning and Zoning proposes future data center regulations

The Harrodsburg-Mercer County Joint Planning and Zoning Commission is advancing proposed regulations that would significantly limit the locations where future data centers could be built in Mercer County, Kentucky. The commission reviewed a draft ordinance that would permit data centers exclusively in Special Industrial Technology (IT) zones, making prime farmland off-limits.

Mercer County currently lacks any designated IT zones, meaning any new data center project would necessitate a zoning change. The proposed rules, however, would not apply to a data center project under consideration in Burgin, as that city is not part of the joint planning and zoning commission's jurisdiction. Commission leaders stated that the regulations are designed to support economic growth while safeguarding the public health, safety, and welfare of residents.

Residents have voiced strong concerns regarding the potential environmental impact of data centers, specifically highlighting worries about the county's water supply. They expressed apprehension about the chemicals used in data center cooling systems and the potential for these substances to enter the water when discharged. While the draft ordinance includes more restrictions than an earlier version presented in April, some residents are advocating for even stronger rules and more time for community input. The commission is expected to discuss the ordinance again in a future meeting.