Commissioners send draft data‑center ordinance with community‑benefit language to area planning

A commissioner introduced a 25‑page draft ordinance intended to regulate data‑center development and to require a community‑benefit agreement be negotiated and signed by data‑center owners and Fulton County before permits could be filed. "This must be negotiated and agreed upon by the Fulton County Commissioners and a binding contract signed by the owners of the data center before permit can be filed," the commissioner said when describing the draft's central provision.

Supporters said the community‑benefit language was designed to protect county interests and secure local investments such as road funding or hospital contributions. The sponsor said county planners and a working group compiled the draft from several sources and emphasized that the goal was to provide clarity for potential investors while addressing community concerns.

Commissioners debated process and timing; some members said the area‑plan committee and the data‑center committee should complete their work before the board acts, while others said timely review by area planning will help the committees and could ease tensions. The board voted to send the ordinance draft to area planning (and the data‑center committee as appropriate) for review and to return with a recommendation.

Why it matters: Data centers have prompted contentious debate in nearby counties; a local ordinance with a community‑benefit requirement could shape where and how such facilities are developed and what, if any, public investments would accompany them.

The motion passed; county staff and area planners will review the draft and report back.