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Staff schedules data‑center ordinance options for fall as commissioners weigh state role
Summary
County staff said it will present options for a data‑center ordinance to county commissioners this fall and discussed legal and reclamation concerns as commissioners asked how a possible state ban would affect local regulation.
Citrus County staff told the Planning and Development Commission on July 16 that work is underway to prepare options for a local data‑center ordinance and that a workshop with county commissioners is likely this fall.
Staff said the county has been developing a range of measures—covering setbacks, buffers and other regulatory tools—to present to commissioners, but said the timetable depends in part on the county’s other priorities. The planner said a workshop could be penciled in for September or October to allow the commission and board to review draft options.
Commissioners asked whether a prospective state-level ban on data centers would change the county’s obligations. Staff replied that if the state were to ban data centers outright, that would simplify the county’s work, but cautioned the county could face lawsuits if it tried to enact conflicting local prohibitions and that existing facilities raise questions about long‑term reclamation. Staff said some data centers operate for a limited period and recommended the county consider reclamation planning as part of its options.
The planner and staff said they will prepare a scope of options and present them to the county commissioners; no ordinance was adopted at the meeting and no timetable was set for final action.
