City of Jackson still working to come up with data center ordinance
Jackson city leaders are currently drafting an ordinance for data centers, focusing on addressing community concerns related to location, noise, utility usage, water, and environmental impacts. The City Council Planning and Economic Development Committee is collaborating with the legal department to develop a comprehensive framework.
Jackson, Mississippi city leaders are in the early stages of developing a new ordinance to regulate data center construction within the city. During a recent meeting, the City Council Planning and Economic Development Committee received an update from the city's legal department regarding the drafting process.
Deputy City Attorney Carrie Johnson indicated that the proposed ordinance aims to address various community concerns, including data center location, noise levels, utility usage, and water management, particularly storm water. Ward 5 Councilman Vernon Hartley noted at least 20 environmental concerns from residents, while Ward 4 Councilman Brian Grizzell specifically mentioned radiation as a concern. Council members were asked to submit their thoughts to be incorporated into the draft, with Councilman Hartley suggesting a customized ordinance for Jackson rather than a generic template.
The legal department is also consulting with zoning officials and has reviewed a Georgia Tech study that aided similar ordinances in Georgia. Ward 7 Councilman Kevin Parkinson emphasized transparency, suggesting all council members' notes be compiled and sent to the city attorney's office for revision. The committee also considered how the nearby city of Clinton managed a recent data center development. Officials anticipate a lengthy, complex process for the ordinance's finalization.