Oldham County holds first reading of 150-day moratorium on data centers after heated public comment

Oldham County Fiscal Court on June 3 held the first reading of an ordinance that would impose a 150-day moratorium on acceptance, processing and approval of applications for data centers, private utility buildings and data-storage facilities in the county's unincorporated area.

The ordinance would pause review while county staff and the planning commission update zoning rules to address infrastructure, environmental and land-use concerns tied to large computing facilities. Judge Executive David Vogel read the ordinance during the meeting and asked for public comment before the court moved on to other business.

Why it matters: Residents, civic leaders and some magistrates told the court they want a pause long enough for clear, enforceable rules. Many speakers pressed the court to apply the moratorium to applications already filed, arguing that an exemption for pending projects would undercut the purpose of the pause.

Don Ehrler, a LaGrange resident, told the court: "I'm here today to thank you and to thank all of the members of the fiscal court for their unanimous support of the proposed moratorium on data centers." He urged removing an exemption for already-filed applications so planning staff could apply the new standards broadly. Several other speakers asked the court to remove any carve-outs that might let projects advance without new local safeguards.

A key debate at the meeting concerned a third exemption that would exclude certain broadband and telecommunications work from the moratorium. County staff said that language came from a request by existing broadband providers, who argued it would permit them to maintain and extend customer service under existing agreements. Some magistrates and many public speakers worried the telecom wording could create a loophole for data-center proponents, and they urged the court to remove that exemption.

The court treated the ordinance as a first reading and did not adopt final language. County Attorney advice at the meeting emphasized that the proper next steps include a public hearing at second reading and opportunity for affected providers, including AT&T, to explain their concerns. Judge Vogel said he would invite provider representatives to the second reading so the court could hear their explanation before voting.

Next steps: The court intends to hold a second reading after required publication and notices. Staff and members of the planning commission will use the moratorium period, if adopted at second reading, to draft specific zoning and permitting standards for data centers and related utility infrastructure.

Ending: Multiple speakers urged quick action. Resident Nathan Oberg said the pause should give the county time "to define what a data center is, put them in an appropriate zoning classification, and come up with responsible setbacks and easements to protect citizens and their property values from the noise, nuisance, glare and light." The court has not yet scheduled a final vote.