Garrard County gives first reading to Data Center ordinance, ups setback to 2,000 feet

Judge/Executive Chris Elleman opened the first reading of a proposed Data Center Ordinance, saying no data centers have contacted Garrard County and noting the county lacks planning and zoning authority so it cannot impose a moratorium. He told the court the ordinance is based on the Kentucky Resource Council model and that residents will be notified of proposals in advance.

Resident Beth Carlin of District 4 pressed for stronger protections, arguing state-level scrutiny is needed and urging transparency. She quoted Proverbs 15:22 and proposed a Code of Ethics amendment that would bar county officials from signing nondisclosure or confidentiality agreements with developers. Carlin said: "No elected official, appointed official, or employee of Garrard County, acting in an official capacity, shall execute or be bound by any nondisclosure agreement, confidentiality agreement, or similar contract with a private developer regarding Data Centers." She also warned of environmental harm, citing risks to nocturnal species and migration patterns.

Magistrate Glendan Barker drove a change to the ordinance’s setback provision, asking that the required distance be increased from "one thousand five hundred (1,500) feet" to "two thousand (2,000) feet" because "the noise never stops and a bigger setback would help." Magistrate Chris Davis seconded the motion. The court approved the first reading with the increased setback on a vote recorded in the meeting as "All in favor." Judge/Executive Elleman said a copy of the ordinance was available that night and invited residents to submit suggested changes ahead of the second reading scheduled for July 27, 2026.

The discussion combined environmental, noise and transparency concerns with an early regulatory step by the court; the ordinance still requires a second reading before becoming law and the county noted it lacks zoning authority that would affect some tools commonly used elsewhere.