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Athens holds first readings for zoning rules on data centers and battery storage
Summary
Council heard presentations and held public hearings—without public comment—on first readings to add definitions and land-use classifications for 'Data Center, Enterprise,' 'Data Center, Non-Enterprise,' and Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS); Planning and Zoning had recommended the language.
The Athens City Council opened and closed public hearings with no public comment and proceeded with first readings of proposed zoning text amendments to address three use types: Data Center, Enterprise; Data Center, Non-Enterprise; and Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS).
City Planner Ronda Cockerham said the ordinance language and definitions had been advertised and recommended by the Planning and Zoning Commission. "Data Center, Enterprise" was described as facilities owned and used exclusively by a single entity for internal IT operations. "Data Center, Non-Enterprise" was framed to capture commercial, colocation, and cloud facilities and would be allowed in the Industrial District with a specific-use permit. The proposed BESS definition lists components (battery cells, enclosures, inverters, interconnection facilities and accessory structures) and would likewise be allowed in Industrial Districts with a SUP and excluded from residential zones.
Councilmember Bill Priestley questioned retaining an SUP requirement in some districts but no amendments to the draft language were recorded at first reading. City Secretary Bonnie Hambrick read each ordinance caption aloud for the council's first reading.
Because the items were at first reading, no votes to adopt the ordinances were recorded; council members conducted the required public hearings and moved the amendments forward for subsequent consideration.
