Alachua County officials say no data-centers can be built under current codes
Alachua County officials have stated that large-scale data centers are currently not permitted under the county's Comprehensive Plan or land development codes. Existing zoning districts do not account for such facilities, and any construction would require amending these codes through multiple public hearings. This clarification follows concerns raised by residents and county commissioners.
Alachua County officials have confirmed that the construction of large-scale data centers is currently prohibited under the county's existing Comprehensive Plan and land development codes. The codes, adopted previously, do not list data centers in any zoning district, making their development impossible without amendments.
Officials explained that factors such as a facility's size, operational intensity, traffic impacts, and demands on public services contribute to this prohibition. Any future data center development would necessitate significant updates to the Comprehensive Plan and land development code, requiring multiple public hearings and meetings.
This clarification from Alachua County came on Tuesday, following concerns voiced by both local residents and county commissioners regarding potential data center projects. Neighboring North Central Florida counties are also addressing data center development. Notably, Clay County commissioners are scheduled to review a proposal for a yearlong moratorium on applications to rezone properties for data centers.