‘Things change’: Barren County concludes last town hall meeting on countywide zoning
Barren County officials held their final town hall meeting on proposed countywide zoning regulations, which include significant discussion of hyperscale data centers. Residents expressed opposition to data center development, while officials addressed the legal complexities of enacting moratoriums. The county's Fiscal Court is expected to consider the ordinance this fall after a public hearing.
Barren County, Kentucky, officials have concluded a series of four town hall meetings focused on proposed countywide land use regulations and zoning for unincorporated areas. The final meeting, held at Hiseville Elementary School, attracted approximately 100 residents, with agricultural uses and the development of hyperscale data centers being key topics of discussion.
Residents voiced significant opposition to data center development during all meetings, seeking ways to halt such projects. However, County Attorney Mike Richardson cautioned that a moratorium enacted without underlying land use or zoning might not withstand legal challenges, referencing Kentucky Revised Statutes (KRS) 100. This advice comes amidst a state legislative landscape that includes Kentucky House Bill 775, which offers tax incentives for certain data center developments, and an executive order from Gov. Andy Beshear directing state agencies to address potential negative impacts of data centers.
The Barren County Land Use Committee is currently drafting a comprehensive ordinance. This proposal will undergo an advertised public hearing before the Joint City-County Planning Commission, allowing for further public review and discussion, before advancing to the Barren County Fiscal Court for consideration this fall. Magistrate Tim Coomer emphasized that zoning would provide crucial protections through regulations, setbacks, and public notification for future developments, which are currently absent. Planning and Zoning Director Kevin Myatt also confirmed that no data center development proposals have been filed in Barren County as of August 13, 2026, and reassured farmers that Kentucky's Right to Farm Act protects agricultural practices regardless of zoning classification. Officials aim to craft an ordinance that offers protection for rural residents while minimizing impact on citizens.