Euharlee data center ordinance heads to council
The Euharlee Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval of a new ordinance to regulate data centers, which will now head to the City Council for readings and public hearings. The city aims to proactively establish rules for potential data center developments, despite having no current applications. Public speakers expressed significant opposition, citing concerns about noise, water usage, and electricity costs.
The Euharlee Planning and Zoning Commission (EPZC) at its September 22 meeting recommended approval of a comprehensive ordinance designed to govern data centers within the city. This decision came after the ordinance was previously tabled on September 8 and followed a heavily attended public hearing, including residents from as far as Marietta.
Euharlee City Manager James Stephens explained that the ordinance is a proactive measure, prompted by multiple inquiries from attorneys representing property owners and potential data center operators. He noted that while the city currently has no pending data center applications, the ordinance is crucial for regulating any future projects and protecting citizens, modeling it after Bartow County's