Troup County staff put data-center rules, foundation surveys and other UDO text changes on study list

Troup County staff told commissioners on Sept. 16 that they will prepare a package of text amendments to the county’s new Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) to correct omissions and add new provisions, including a potential regulatory approach to data centers.

Mr. Anderson said the county adopted the UDO earlier this year and began using it on Aug. 1, and that staff have identified items that were omitted from the old ordinance and additional topics that need clarification. The first three items staff will reinsert into the permitted-use chart are athletic health clubs, hunting clubs with lodges, and commercial livestock raising (which can include chicken houses and hog facilities); staff said these will be restored with their prior standards.

Staff also proposed several additions and clarifications: updates to public-notice requirements to match a new Georgia state statute, a foundation-survey requirement for new houses or additions to help prevent construction over property lines, clearer rules for accessory structures in front yards, and strengthened enforcement language for short-term vacation rentals at the sheriff’s request.

Commissioners discussed adding data centers to the amendment list and whether to treat them as industrial/manufacturing uses or to craft specific standards. Mr. Anderson and other staff noted the complexity of regulating data centers—particularly water and power demands and noise—and recommended a methodical study like those undertaken by neighboring counties, including options such as a moratorium, a size-based threshold, or a specific zoning classification. Commissioner Jones (referenced) and others urged a careful evaluation of revenue, employment, and resource impacts.

Mr. Anderson said staff will draft language, send it to the Board of Zoning for review in October, and then return it to the commission for consideration and potential adoption. Commissioners took a procedural motion to add the UDO/data-center discussion to the evening agenda and directed staff to prepare draft amendments for formal review.