Will Lexington ban major data centers? Planning commission to cast a key vote this week
The Lexington-Fayette Urban County Planning Commission is set to vote this week on new zoning amendments that would significantly restrict data center operations in Fayette County, including a proposed ban on major data centers. This initiative follows an existing moratorium on data center development enacted by the Urban County Council and public opposition from residents. If approved, the amendments will advance to the Urban County Council for final consideration.
The Lexington-Fayette Urban County Planning Commission is scheduled to consider significant zoning changes this week that would define and heavily restrict data center operations within Lexington and Fayette County, Kentucky. The proposed zoning ordinance text amendment, which planning staff recommends approving, aims to prohibit major data centers (over 50,000 square feet) entirely in Fayette County and impose strict criteria on minor data centers, including requirements for water and energy consumption plans, noise mitigation, and transmission line impact assessments. Additionally, the amendment proposes buffer zones, prohibiting data centers within 1,000 feet of residential areas, agricultural zones, schools, and childcare facilities.
This legislative effort was initiated in June by the Urban County Council, which unanimously voted for planning staff to draft new rules and simultaneously enacted a moratorium on data center development, pausing permits and zone change requests until at least October 31. The council's actions followed local reports about an unnamed data center developer purchasing a former Lexmark property with plans for a significant power capacity expansion to support AI operations, a project currently unable to proceed due to the moratorium.
Public opposition has been notable, with Lexington residents voicing concerns at community meetings regarding data centers in Fayette County. Should the Planning Commission approve the amendment, it will then be forwarded to the Urban County Council for further discussion and a final vote, which will include opportunities for public comment.