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Woodford County gives first reading to zoning amendment that would prohibit data centers and restrict battery storage
Summary
On first reading the fiscal court advanced Ordinance 2026‑8, a zoning text amendment that would prohibit data centers and certain battery energy storage systems in industrial districts and set minimum setback distances (1,000 ft from property boundaries and 2,000 ft from residential areas, schools, hospitals, nursing homes).
The Woodford County Fiscal Court gave first reading to Ordinance 2026‑8, a multi‑section zoning text amendment that would prohibit data centers and some battery energy storage systems in both incorporated and unincorporated county industrial districts. County Attorney summarized the text changes, highlighting new prohibited uses and minimum separation and siting standards for battery systems.
Under the proposed changes, battery energy storage systems with aggregate capacity greater than 600 kilowatts or that use more than one storage technology would be prohibited in specified industrial zones. County Attorney said type‑1 battery energy storage systems would need to be located at least 1,000 feet from the property boundary of any adjoining parcel and at least 2,000 feet from any residential neighborhood, school, hospital, or nursing home. The ordinance is set for advertisement and a second reading, expected at the Sept. 8 fiscal court meeting.
County Attorney praised planning staff for integrating the amendment and told the court Woodford County is "way ahead of the rest of the state" in drafting such rules; the court voted to approve the first reading unanimously.
