Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Zoning Data Centers topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Athens commission adds 'Data Centers' to zoning code after residents raise concerns
Summary
The Planning & Zoning Commission approved text amendments to add 'Data Centers' to Chapter 22 and a definition in Appendix A, with commissioners adopting a wording change to replace 'data center company' with 'entity.' Two residents spoke in opposition about the proposal; commissioners discussed size-based limits.
The Athens Planning & Zoning Commission approved March 2 a text amendment to Chapter 22 that adds "Data Centers" to the zoning use chart and a corresponding definition in Appendix A (A-3).
City Planner Ronda Cockerham presented the draft ordinance and a zoning map showing which districts the proposal would affect. Two members of the public, Matthew Bailey and Anne Perryman, spoke in opposition during the public-comment portion of the hearing. Commissioners discussed potential size limitations that would affect siting and operation.
Member Jim Kerlin moved to approve the amendment with a single wording change—replacing the phrase "data center company" with "entity"—and Member Freddie Paul seconded. The motion passed unanimously. The staff presentation did not list the specific districts or size thresholds in the meeting minutes; staff displayed a map during the meeting but the recorded minutes do not specify the enumerated districts or numerical thresholds. The amendment will modify the city zoning use chart and the Appendix A definition as recorded on the commission agenda.
