DeKalb delays data-center rules after large public turnout; staff ordered to revise draft

DeKalb County commissioners on Sept. 30 postponed action on proposed countywide rules for data centers and on a large PCC DeKalb data‑center proposal after several hours of public comment and questions from commissioners.

The board voted to defer drafting of a text amendment that would add standards and a permitting process for data centers in industrial and some commercial districts for 60 days, until the Nov. 20 zoning meeting, and asked planning staff to prepare a revised “Draft 3” that incorporates community and stakeholder feedback.

The amendment, introduced by planners as an attempt to regulate the rapid growth of data centers around metro Atlanta, proposed three facility classes (minor, major and campus) and new requirements on water, energy, noise, architecture and a Special Land Use Permit (SLUP) process for larger facilities. Tricia Prevost, senior planner for long‑range planning, said staff’s goal was “to ensure balance between economic development and the welfare of the community” and described proposed measures including a closed‑loop cooling requirement, utility service letters from providers, noise assessments and a SLUP for major and campus facilities.

Community speakers said the draft still left major gaps. “We need legislation that is strong enough to prevent unwanted data centers in our communities,” said Claudette Leek of Renew DeKalb during public comment. Residents raised concerns about drinking‑water impacts, generator noise, air pollution and whether neighborhoods — notably parts of South and Southeast DeKalb — would shoulder most projects. Several speakers asked the board to extend the county moratorium on data‑center applications until stronger rules are adopted.

Commissioners…