Planning Commission to weigh data center zoning regulations
LEXINGTON, Ky. — The Urban County Planning Commission is scheduled to hold a public hearing Wednesday on proposed zoning regulations that would restrict data center development in Lexington-Fayette County, according to the official meeting agenda.
The hearing on the zoning ordinance text amendment — formally designated PLN-ZOTA-26-00008 — is set for 1:30 p.m. in the Council Chamber at the LFUCG Government Center, 200 East Main Street. Community members can provide in-person feedback or submit comments by email to PlanningMailbox@lexingtonky.gov.
The proposed regulations would prohibit data centers larger than 50,000 square feet and restrict smaller facilities to certain warehouse and industrial zones. "Minor" data centers under 50,000 square feet would be allowed in industrial areas by conditional use permit, while "major" data centers over that threshold would be prohibited countywide.
According to the agenda, planning staff recommends approval, saying the amendment clearly defines data centers and removes outdated language from the zoning ordinance. Staff also cited protections for local communities by "prohibiting major data centers, which are the largest and most impactful type" due to concerns about noise, emissions, energy and water consumption.
The proposed regulations would allow accessory server rooms to operate without additional review or approval for existing business and industrial uses. The amendment would prohibit data centers from operating in parts of the city zoned for agricultural, tourism and single-family detached housing.
The Planning Commission's Zoning Committee recommended postponing the proposed text at its July 2 meeting, though the planning staff recommendation remains for approval. The matter is now proceeding to public hearing as scheduled.