Murray City Council approves data center regulations after study group review
The Murray City Council unanimously approved new regulations governing data centers after a city-appointed study group review and public input. These regulations amend the city's zoning code to include requirements for security, noise, landscaping, utilities, and annual usage reports. The ordinance aims to balance development with community concerns and legal defensibility, while acknowledging the city's limited jurisdiction.
The Murray City Council unanimously approved a revised ordinance regulating data centers following a month-long review by a city-appointed study group and public input. The new regulations, which amend the city's zoning code, establish specific requirements for data centers concerning security fencing, noise standards, landscape buffers, utilities, and infrastructure. City Planner Carol Downey highlighted that the final version incorporates feedback from staff, the study group, and community members, making it stronger than the initial model ordinance from the Kentucky Resources Council.
Key provisions include annual usage reports for data centers granted conditional use permits. If a facility exceeds its allowable wattage or water/wastewater usage, it faces compliance testing expenses and potential suspension or revocation of its permit after notice and opportunity to cure. Council members praised the collaborative effort, though Councilman Joe Darnall acknowledged that the ordinance does not constitute an outright ban and its jurisdiction is limited to the city limits of Murray. He encouraged residents passionate about the issue to engage with county, state, and federal governments for broader impact. Councilwoman Bonnie Higginson also expressed concerns about data centers bringing minimal jobs, questioning their suitability for Murray
’s limited industrial zone.