Georgia and Missouri Local Governments Tighten Data Center Rules

Local governments in Georgia and Missouri are implementing strict regulatory frameworks to manage the expansion of data centers. In Georgia, the Floyd County Commission approved an ordinance restricting these facilities to Heavy Industrial zoning districts. The new rules mandate acoustic studies, strict noise limits at property lines, and a minimum 600-foot setback from existing homes. Developers must also prioritize closed-loop cooling systems to conserve water and provide financial guarantees for the eventual decommissioning and restoration of their sites.

Enforcement in Floyd County includes potential fines of up to $1,000 per day or the revocation of business licenses for non-compliance. Meanwhile, the Byron City Council held a public forum to discuss a separate proposal that would require data centers to be at least 500 feet from homes and 1,000 feet from schools, churches, and hospitals, with proposed noise violation fines reaching $10,000 daily.

In Missouri, St. Louis County officials unveiled a proposed framework that categorizes facilities by size. The plan restricts the largest centers to industrial zones and requires public hearings and approval from the county council. This framework establishes specific standards for landscaping, noise studies, and property setbacks from homes, schools, and parks.