Jefferson County approves new zoning ordinance that includes data centers
The Jefferson County Commission approved a technology zoning ordinance that allows data centers to locate in the county in the future. Residents opposed the measure, arguing it could threaten the county’s agricultural and rural character and would not adequately protect neighboring properties.
The Jefferson County Commission approved a new technology zoning ordinance that creates a framework for future data center development. County officials said the measure could help address a declining workforce and rising taxes by creating another source of income, while acknowledging that data center developers have contacted some landowners.
Residents spoke against the ordinance during the commission’s debate, saying the rules would not sufficiently protect nearby property owners or preserve Jefferson County’s rural and agricultural character. The county administrator said no official data center applications had been submitted, but opponents objected to allowing the industry into the county at all.