Lexington Planning Commission takes up data center proposal
The Lexington-Fayette Urban County Planning Commission is expected to vote on new zoning rules that would effectively ban large data centers in Fayette County, Kentucky, while strictly limiting smaller ones. These proposed regulations are a response to community concerns about electricity and water resources, and public opposition to data center development. A temporary moratorium was previously approved by the Urban County Council.
The Lexington-Fayette Urban County Planning Commission is set to vote Thursday on new zoning regulations that would impose significant restrictions on data center development in Fayette County. The proposed rules would effectively prohibit large data centers exceeding 50,000 square feet and featuring one or more electrical substations from being built anywhere in the county.
Smaller data center facilities, however, could be permitted within specific warehouse and light industrial zones, provided they obtain a conditional use permit. These developers would be required to mitigate concerns regarding noise pollution, water consumption, energy usage, and the overall impact on the local power grid.
This legislative effort follows months of public outcry and community concerns over the potential strain of data centers on local electricity and water resources. The impetus for these new rules largely stemmed from opposition generated after DartPoints acquired the former Lexmark campus, prompting speculation about a new data center. DartPoints has stated its intention to renovate the existing building rather than construct a new large-scale facility.
The Urban County Council had previously enacted a temporary moratorium on new data center developments in June, allowing time for these permanent regulations to be drafted. Following Thursday's planning commission hearing and vote, the proposal will proceed to the Urban County Council for final consideration and approval.