Rowan County approves two-year data center moratorium ahead of potential projects
Rowan County, Kentucky, has approved a two-year moratorium on large-scale data center development, despite no current proposals. This measure provides county officials time to establish zoning regulations and a conditional use permit process. The goal is to provide more oversight and gather public input before any potential data center projects emerge, as the county currently lacks such controls.
The Rowan County Fiscal Court in Kentucky has unanimously approved a two-year moratorium on the development of large-scale data centers. This decision comes as a preventative measure, as Rowan County Judge-Executive Harry Clark confirmed that no company has yet approached the county with a data center proposal.
The moratorium is intended to give county leaders ample time to develop and implement comprehensive zoning regulations and a conditional use permit process. Currently, Rowan County lacks specific zoning ordinances, which, according to Judge-Executive Clark, could allow a developer to purchase land and begin construction of a data center without the county's prior knowledge or review. The new regulations would provide necessary oversight for future projects.
While Judge-Executive Clark acknowledged that data centers are a "necessary evil," he emphasized the importance of community input in any future discussions. Jason Slone, president and CEO of the Morehead-Rowan County Chamber of Commerce, highlighted the potential for significant economic benefits through substantial tax revenues that data centers could bring to local governments and schools. The county aims to balance these economic opportunities with local control and community preferences.