Franklin County advances revised data center rules after public backlash, residents push for stronger safeguards

Franklin County commissioners are nearing a final vote on new countywide regulations for data center development, following significant public backlash that prompted revisions to the proposed ordinance. The Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance (SALDO) aims to establish rules for data centers in municipalities lacking their own zoning ordinances or industrial zones, addressing concerns about farmland preservation, infrastructure, and environmental impacts. At a recent public meeting, county leaders reviewed updates to the SALDO. While George Pomeroy, chairman of the Franklin County Planning Commission, expressed confidence in the ordinance, residents like Natasha Distasio urged commissioners to strengthen environmental safeguards, particularly concerning freshwater resources and on-site water discharge testing. Residents advocate for companies to bear the cost of testing and for buffer requirements to prioritize native plant species. One major change to the ordinance was the removal of a requirement for developers to generate renewable energy to offset at least 25% of a data center’s power use. This provision, which many residents supported as a deterrent to large-scale data centers, was eliminated due to concerns it could inadvertently threaten farmland preservation more than the data centers themselves, according to Franklin County Commissioners Chairman Dean Horst, who stated it could require 1,000 acres or more for a single facility. Residents, however, argued that land used for solar could be returned to agriculture or co-oped. Commissioners had previously delayed voting on the ordinance due to strong public pushback and numerous community comments. The final vote is now scheduled for May 20, with residents continuing to demand stronger protections, especially for water quality, renewable energy, and the county's agricultural character, before any final approval.