Planning director defends private-utility classification; staff begins zoning text-amendment work on data centers

Planning Director Ryan Fisher told the Oldham County Board of Adjustments and Appeals that his decision to categorize the proposed Project Lincoln data center under the countys "private utility" definition grew from research, peer outreach and the absence of a specific data-center use in the zoning code. Fisher described consults with other planners and national reference sources, and said he chose a private-utility classification because it would require a conditional-use permit rather than permitting the use by right.

Fisher said he began researching the issue after being asked about a potential data center in late 2023 and early 2024, and that he discussed the matter with prospective applicants and outside counsel in January and February 2025. He described sending inquiries to planning colleagues around the state and consulting…