Commission recommends placing data centers in I-3 zone after resident warns against unrestricted siting

A Jefferson County resident urged the planning commission to limit where data centers can locate, and commissioners responded by recommending a zoning amendment that would place data centers and related definitions into the I-3 industrial zone.

Resident Doug Sayers (1287 Valley Home Road, 5th District) addressed the panel during public comment and told commissioners they were taking a proactive step by drafting zoning language for data centers. "I'm not against the data center," Sayers said, "but I when it just can go anywhere, I'm against that." He urged clear wording and public hearings so citizens would know where such facilities could be sited.

Commissioner S7 (first reference S7) presented item C, a resolution drafted at the county commission's request, noting the purpose is "to place the data centers and various definitions of those into the I 3 zone." S7 moved that the planning commission recommend approval of the resolution; the body seconded and voted to forward the recommendation to the county commission.

Following the vote, commissioners agreed to establish a working group to review zoning regulations, rules, and procedures and to develop a clearer, updated set of rules for the regional planning commission. The chair and staff identified participants including planning staff (Stephanie, Miss Baldwin), county commissioner Kenny Hunbaker, business representative Robert Brewer, and resident Jim Satterfield. Commissioners said the group will meet monthly, start with county commission rules and adapt them for the planning commission, and aim to produce drafts for vetting prior to formal action.

What’s next: The planning commission forwarded the recommendation to the county commission for a final decision on the zoning amendment; the working group will convene and return draft language and procedural recommendations to the commission for consideration.