Commissioners adopt 12-month data-center moratorium, approve zoning updates for ADUs and tiny homes

Fayette County commissioners voted May 6 to adopt a 12-month moratorium on data-center development and approved a set of zoning amendments that revise accessory uses, temporary-use rules and manufactured-home classifications.

The meeting opened with county staffer Brad Coulter telling the board that "there's absolutely nothing happening on the data center front," and urging a pause so planners can update antiquated ordinances and gather county-specific impact information. "I think it's a good idea to do the moratorum [moratorium]," Coulter said, recommending environmental and groundwater studies tailored to Fayette County's aquifer.

The board moved to adopt ordinance 2026-03 establishing a moratorium that will run roughly 12 months after both the city and county have adopted matching measures. Bill, speaking for the Area Plan Commission, said the APC unanimously recommended the moratorium and emphasized the need to reformat the zoning code so new uses can be placed clearly in the ordinance. The commission approved the moratorium by unanimous voice vote.

On zoning changes, commissioners considered ordinance 2026-4, which updates accessory uses, temporary-use language and manufactured-home standards. Bill outlined specific changes that would permit accessory dwelling units (ADUs) with gross floor areas shown in the draft as 200–800 square feet and would remove outdated manufactured-home class distinctions. "This will make it easier to provide places in the zoning code for things that have never occurred to us yet," he said. The board adopted the ordinance unanimously.

The meeting also addressed public-safety staffing and facilities. The county's 911 representative reported losing a full-time dispatcher and proposed promoting Shondaanda Keane to full time and hiring two part-time employees—Kaylee Cole and Olivia Loft—to restore staffing levels; the hires were approved. The 911 office also reported a basement flood that damaged radio equipment; staff will seek quotes and consider an insurance claim to repair or replace the affected electronics.

Facility and procurement items approved included accepting Pal's Plumbing's bid for a courthouse water softener (Pal's quoted a larger 120,000-grain unit versus Lanehart's 90,000-grain option), and authorizing North Mechanical to install an air handler for the probation building (estimated at about $9,943). Commissioners were also briefed on a jail boiler heat-exchanger failure that flooded a basement; a repair part was estimated at about $10,000 while full replacement could run about $20,000, not including labor, and staff will obtain detailed quotes.

Roads staff briefed the board on a bridge right-of-way and a federal-aid award of roughly $90,000 for right-of-way services; staff flagged apparent inconsistencies in the consultant contract language (a listed $9,460 consultant fee vs. a $20,192.50 not-to-exceed amount) and said they will seek written clarification before signing.

Other business: commissioners ratified the county-highway union contract as ordinance 26-2 and noted a library board resignation that creates a vacancy to be filled by appointment. The board approved claims and payroll and adjourned.

Votes at a glance

- Ordinance 2026-03 (data-center moratorium): adopted (unanimous voice vote; tally recorded as 3–0 in the transcript). - Ordinance 2026-4 (accessory uses / ADUs / manufactured-home standards): adopted (unanimous voice vote). - Hire approvals: two part-time 911 positions (Kaylee Cole, Olivia Loft) and promotion of Shondaanda Keane to full time—approved. Ramona Taber hired as part-time custodian—approved. - Pal's Plumbing selected for courthouse water softener—approved. - North Mechanical authorized for probation-building air handler—approved (~$9,943 estimate). - Ordinance 26-2 (highway union contract): ratified—approved. - Claims and payroll: approved.

What happens next

Staff will gather impact-study templates and comparative materials for the moratorium review, seek written clarification from the bridge consultant about contract fees, obtain quotes for the jail boiler repair or replacement, and move forward with the approved procurement and hiring actions. The moratorium's 12-month clock is intended to start once both the city and county have adopted their measures.