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Citrus County commissioners direct staff to draft data‑center land‑use rules after months of public concern
Summary
Following extended public comment about water use, power demand and low‑frequency noise, the Citrus County Board voted unanimously to have staff draft a new land‑development‑code chapter regulating data centers.
The Citrus County Board of County Commissioners voted unanimously on Feb. 11 to direct staff to expedite drafting a new chapter of the county’s land‑development code addressing data centers. The decision followed hours of public comment and a commission discussion that centered on water use, electricity demand, noise and decommissioning safeguards.
Why it matters: Commenters and several commissioners said the county needs clear local standards to protect the aquifer, neighboring residents and taxpayers while still allowing economic investment. The board’s motion asks staff to produce draft code language that the commissioners can review and refine in a formal adoption process.
Public commenters urged caution. Joe Hicks of Beverly Hills, who frequently testified on the issue, warned about low‑frequency noise and its effects on people and wildlife, saying, “That noise goes through walls…there’s nothing you can do once it’s in.” Another resident emphasized the aquifer risk, noting that cooling systems and local power generation could put extra strain on water resources.
Growth‑management staff and legal advisers briefed the board on options: some utility companies have pursued tariff mechanisms and other contractual solutions to ensure large users contribute to new generation or grid upgrades, while planning staff described model LDC provisions used in other jurisdictions to address noise standards, water‑use limits, on‑site power rules and decommissioning bonds.
Commissioner Jeff Kennard, who made the motion, said the county should welcome investment on terms that protect residents and the environment: “We should be ready to welcome these things, but on our terms,” he said. The motion, as recorded by the clerk, directed staff to “expedite the process to begin drafting a chapter in the land development code regarding data centers.” The motion carried 5–0.
What comes next: Staff will prepare draft language for the board’s review and public hearings; the county attorney and growth‑management staff will vet legal applicability to existing applications. Commissioners said they expect an iterative process that will include industry input, technical standards and community safeguards.
No final ordinance was adopted at the meeting; the vote was to direct staff to prepare code language for later consideration.
