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Lee County adopts data‑center standards after hours of public comment
Summary
After a lengthy public hearing and technical presentations, the Lee County Board of Commissioners voted to add “data center” to the county’s Unified Development Ordinance and adopt supplemental standards covering setbacks, noise, water and decommissioning; opponents urged a moratorium and stronger penalties while industry and utilities called the rules workable.
The Lee County Board of Commissioners voted April 20 to add “data center” as a permitted land use in the county Unified Development Ordinance and to adopt detailed supplemental development standards intended to protect neighbors and public infrastructure.
The action followed a multi‑hour staff presentation and a protracted public hearing in which business and technical experts praised the county’s draft rules while many residents and environmental advocates urged more time, higher penalties and a moratorium on data‑center approvals.
Why it matters: Commissioners and planning staff said the ordinance provides a predictable, enforceable framework for projects that can carry large electrical and water demands. Supporters said clear rules let the county evaluate applicants and require developers to demonstrate they can be served by municipal water and electricity, and to mitigate noise and lighting impacts. Opponents argued the county should wait for stronger state or regional rules and asked for higher civil penalties and decommissioning bonds.
What staff…
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