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Columbia County approves first reading of data center zoning; residents warn of water and noise risks
Summary
The Columbia County commission approved first reading of a new data-center zoning ordinance establishing a DC district with site standards including noise and buffer limits. Residents at the meeting urged stronger decibel controls, deeper buffers and clearer water protections; the ordinance proceeds to a required second reading.
Columbia County commissioners voted on Nov. 18 to approve the first reading of a text amendment establishing a new data-center (DC) zoning district and changes to Chapter 90 of county code. The ordinance (listed in the meeting as Ordinance 25-07) would create a data-center zoning classification, set lot and structure requirements, require buffers, limit generator testing and include a 70-decibel limit in the draft text.
The measure now moves to a second reading before it can be adopted. County staff told the commission that the text amendment is intended to allow future rezoning applications to be considered under the DC district and that any rezoning would still require separate planning commission and board approval.
Why it matters: Commissioners and staff said the classification aims to permit data center development while limiting impacts on nearby residences and resources. The ordinance proposal includes limits on generator testing, lighting controls, buffer widths and an explicit prohibition on wells inside the DC zoning classification.
Residents contested parts of the…
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