DeKalb County planning new regulations for data center development

DeKalb County is taking significant steps to regulate the growing presence of data centers in the region, as discussed during the PECS Committee Meeting on July 8, 2025. The committee is working on a proposed data center ordinance aimed at balancing economic development with community welfare.

Senior Planner Tricia Prevost presented the committee's progress on drafting the ordinance, highlighting the need for regulations that address location, design, and energy consumption of data centers. The ordinance aims to ensure that DeKalb County remains competitive while managing the impacts of these facilities on local communities.

The committee has researched various regional policies and engaged with industry professionals to inform their approach. For instance, cities like Atlanta and Fairfax County have implemented regulations that include distance requirements and architectural guidelines to mitigate noise and visual impacts. DeKalb's proposed regulations will similarly focus on separating data centers from one another and ensuring they are not located in high-density areas.

The ordinance will categorize data centers based on size, with smaller facilities permitted as accessory uses in certain zoning districts, while larger facilities will require special land use permits. This structure aims to give the community and the board of commissioners a voice in the development of these impactful projects.

Additionally, discussions included the potential for data centers to contribute to local infrastructure, such as parks and trails, and the possibility of negotiating apprenticeship programs to provide training opportunities for local youth in data center management.

The timeline for the ordinance's implementation includes community council discussions in August, a planning commission review in September, and a final decision by the board of commissioners later that month. As the county moves forward, the focus remains on ensuring that the benefits of data centers align with the needs and concerns of the community.