DeKalb commission forwards rezoning for 4 MW solar array and two data centers near Peace Road

The DeKalb Planning and Zoning Commission on Sept. 2 voted to forward to the City Council a recommendation to annex and rezone roughly 30 acres along the west side of Peace Road between Greenwood Acres Drive and Challenger Drive for a proposed 4-megawatt ground-mounted solar array and two 6,000-square-foot data center buildings.

The proposal — presented by Peyton Childress on behalf of the applicant (referred to in submitted materials as variants of Donato/Donata/Denodo Solar) — would annex the parcel and rezone it from SFR-1 (single-family residential) to PDI-1 (planned development industrial). The commission’s recommendation is conditioned on final plan elements, including a detailed native-vegetation maintenance plan, a cost estimate for decommissioning and compliance with the city’s plan development standards. The City Council is scheduled to hear the item Monday, Sept. 8, at 6 p.m.

Why it matters: The site borders the Summit Enclave townhome community and other residences; dozens of residents attended the public hearing to oppose the project or seek more information. Commissioners and staff framed the proposal as an industrial use consistent with the city’s 2022 comprehensive plan, while residents questioned potential impacts on property values, health, noise and water.

Applicant and staff summary

Peyton Childress, speaking for the applicant, described the project as a 4-megawatt, fixed-tilt ground-mounted solar array paired with two air-cooled data-center buildings that would be served by a behind-the-meter configuration. “This is a 4 megawatt solar array. It’s located at 1199 North…