Lexington Planning Commission Weighs Ban on Major Data Centers

The Lexington-Fayette Urban County Planning Commission is holding a public hearing on July 30, 2026, to consider zoning ordinance text amendments that would strictly regulate data center development in Fayette County. The proposal seeks to ban major data centers, defined as facilities exceeding 50,000 square feet that include one or more electrical substations.

Under the proposed rules, minor data centers under 50,000 square feet would be limited to warehouse and light industrial areas. These smaller facilities would require conditional use permits and the submission of detailed plans regarding energy consumption, water conservation, noise, and the impact on the local electrical grid. The amendments would also prohibit minor centers from being located within 1,000 feet of neighborhoods, daycares, and schools.

These regulatory efforts follow a June 9 moratorium passed by the Urban County Council. The move was triggered by public concern over the acquisition of a former Lexmark site by DartPoints. In response to the controversy, DartPoints has stated it intends to renovate the existing facility rather than construct a large new data center.