Jim Ross: Ky. county could restrict data centers through zoning
Scott County, Kentucky, has extended a moratorium on data centers while its planning commission develops zoning rules for their placement and operation. Georgetown’s city council has also directed its attorneys to prepare an ordinance that would ban data centers within city limits.
Scott County officials are using an existing countywide zoning system to prepare for potential data center development, although no applications are currently pending. Planning Commission Director Holden Fleming said staff believes zoning is the appropriate way to regulate future facilities, and a draft ordinance includes provisions addressing visual impact, land disturbance, noise and landscaping.
The Scott County Fiscal Court extended its data center moratorium into March to allow the planning commission to complete the proposed regulations. Separately, the Georgetown City Council directed its legal counsel to draft an ordinance banning data centers within the city limits. The article argues that the secrecy surrounding large industrial and hyperscale data center projects can leave residents unprepared and fuel opposition after projects are announced.