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Logan County commissioners weigh ordinance to limit data centers, staff warn state law could constrain narrow bans
Summary
Commissioners discussed exploring an ordinance to regulate data centers and other large water-using businesses in the absence of countywide planning and zoning. Staff cautioned that KRS 67.83 and related legal limits could prevent ordinances that single out data centers, suggesting broader language tied to water consumption and coordination with water districts.
Commissioners at the Logan County Fiscal Court meeting discussed whether the county should pursue an ordinance to limit data centers and other large industrial users in unzoned, rural areas.
A commissioner said the county lacks countywide planning and zoning and argued an ordinance could give residents a chance to weigh in before large facilities are sited near homes. "I would like to see us do something with an ordinance on data centers," the commissioner said, adding that an interim ordinance could help until countywide planning is possible.
A staff member cautioned that state law could limit ordinances narrowly targeting data centers, citing Kentucky Revised Statutes 67.83 and recommending a broader approach. "If you wanna try and figure out something, like ... I think looking at regulating something else that goes along with that ... water was kind of what I was thinking," the staff member said, suggesting any new ordinance tie to businesses that consume large quantities of water and coordinate review with local water districts.
Why it matters: Data centers can require substantial water and electricity and have raised concerns about local resource impacts in some communities. Without countywide planning and zoning, commissioners said, the county currently has limited ability to require public hearings or local input prior to development.
What happens next: Commissioners asked staff to collect information, consult water districts and study broader regulatory options that would be more likely to withstand legal challenge.
