County prohibits large-scale data centers on unincorporated land
The Volusia County Council adopted an ordinance prohibiting large-scale data centers in unincorporated areas of Volusia County. The ban prevents the county from accepting or processing applications, permits, rezonings, expansions or other approvals for facilities with anticipated peak monthly electricity loads of at least 50 megawatts, citing water resources, infrastructure capacity and community impacts.
The Volusia County Council adopted an ordinance on Oct. 20 barring large-scale data centers from unincorporated areas of Volusia County. The prohibition covers new facilities and expansions, and prevents the county from accepting or processing related development applications, comprehensive plan amendments, rezonings, building permits, site plans and other approvals.
Under state law, large-scale data centers are facilities at one location with an anticipated monthly peak electrical load of 50 megawatts or more. The ordinance applies only to unincorporated county land and does not affect data-center decisions within municipalities. County officials said the action was intended to protect water resources, preserve infrastructure capacity and address potential effects on surrounding communities.