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Heard County reviews draft data center ordinance, flags noise and power-generation issues
Summary
The Board reviewed a draft Data Center Ordinance adapted from another county, declined adoption, and asked staff to revise buffer and noise language; commissioners said any on-site power generation would require EPD approval and must comply with the county's sound ordinance.
Heard County commissioners reviewed a draft Data Center Ordinance at the May 19 work session and concluded the current draft is not ready for adoption.
Members said the draft, which was adapted from another county's ordinance, needs additional work addressing noise, buffers and power-generation. Commissioners discussed whether to allow data centers to self-generate electricity but said any such systems would require approval from the EPD and must comply with the county's existing sound ordinance. The board also considered whether to explicitly address cryptocurrency operations in the draft and questioned the usefulness of size-classification thresholds; members asked staff to revise buffer requirements and other provisions for a future work session.
The board did not vote on the ordinance. Staff was directed to compile additional revisions and return the draft for further review at a later meeting.
