Public hearing on data center rules to be scheduled by Lexington council
The Lexington-Fayette Urban County Council is scheduling a special meeting for October 6 to discuss and potentially adopt new zoning rules and regulations for data centers in Fayette County. This follows recommendations from the planning commission, which included banning data centers larger than 40,000 square feet. The council had previously enacted a moratorium on data center development until at least October 31, and residents have voiced strong opposition to new facilities.
The Lexington-Fayette Urban County Council plans to host a special meeting on October 6 to gather public comment and deliberate on proposed zoning rules for data centers. The council will formally schedule this meeting at its August 25 work session, following recommendations from the planning commission.
Fifth District Council Member Liz Sheehan, who chairs the General Government & Planning Committee, emphasized the importance of public feedback on these regulations, proposing the special meeting occur at an accessible time for residents. The full council could vote on the zoning ordinance text amendment, with or without modifications, at the upcoming meeting. The planning commission's recommendations include banning data centers larger than 40,000 square feet and requiring additional application information, as well as outlining proximity rules to residential areas, schools, and hospitals.
This amendment process began in early June after reports that DartPoints acquired a former Lexmark property to convert it into a data center on New Circle Road. Concurrently, the council enacted a moratorium on data center development, pausing permitting and zone change requests until at least October 31. Public feedback from a July 30 hearing indicated that many residents desire more stringent regulations or a complete halt to new data centers in Lexington.