Planning Commission recommends new Limits on data centers in Lexington
The Lexington Fayette Urban County Planning Commission has recommended new zoning limits for data centers in Lexington, Kentucky, following a moratorium imposed by the City Council. These proposed limits, which include restrictions on size, proximity to residential areas, water usage, noise, and power consumption, aim to address community concerns about environmental and social impacts. The City Council is expected to review these amendments before the moratorium lifts.
The Lexington Fayette Urban County Planning Commission has proposed new zoning ordinances aimed at limiting data center development in Lexington, Kentucky. This action follows a moratorium placed on new data center development by the Lexington Fayette Urban City Council in June, which tasked the commission with providing guidance within 60 days.
At a public hearing, over 40 residents voiced strong concerns about the environmental and social impacts of data centers and artificial intelligence, urging the commission to strengthen staff recommendations. Lexington officials expressed a collective belief that the city is not suitable for massive hyperscale data centers. Concerns in the community intensified after DartPoints Operating Company purchased a former Lexmark data center for $29 million in May. DartPoints President and CEO Scott Willis issued a statement affirming the company's intent to repurpose the existing facility rather than build a new hyperscale campus, emphasizing their commitment to being a responsible neighbor.
Despite DartPoints' reassurances, public attendees and Councilwoman Emma Curtis of Lexington's 4th District remained skeptical, with Curtis strongly advocating for stricter guidelines and even suggesting an extension of the moratorium. The commission ultimately adjusted its staff's proposals to include stringent limits: data centers cannot exceed 40,000 square feet, must be at least 1,500 feet from residential zones, hospitals, daycares, or schools, must use closed-loop water systems for cooling, and are capped at 25 megawatts of power consumption and specific noise levels. A DartPoints representative suggested a 50-megawatt cap, but the commission adhered to stricter limits.
The Lexington Fayette Urban City Council is anticipated to review these proposed zoning ordinance amendments in the coming weeks, ahead of the moratorium's expiration on October 31.