Oldham County committee directs staff to draft data-center ordinance including definition, zoning and standards

The Oldham County Planning and Zoning Commission Study and Review Committee voted to direct planning staff to develop a definition and initial ordinance outline for data centers, including recommended zoning categories, permit types, siting standards and other regulatory requirements.

Ryan Fisher, planning staff, opened the committee's April discussion by distinguishing this drafting effort from a separate moratorium matter pending before the full planning commission. Fisher said the county needs a clear definition—most jurisdictions use a definition describing facilities that store, manage, process or transmit digital data and often include associated utility infrastructure such as generators, cooling systems and substations. He told the committee staff had reviewed definitions and policies from jurisdictions including Loudoun County (Va.), Prince…