Local Governments Impose New Restrictions on Data Centers

Local governments in Georgia and Louisiana are implementing restrictive measures to manage the growth of data centers. The Floyd County Commission approved an ordinance restricting data center development to areas zoned Heavy Industrial. The new regulations require developers to provide impact studies on broadband, sewer, water, and electricity before permits are issued. The ordinance also mandates noise limits, water-reclamation systems for water-cooled equipment, and financial guarantees for property restoration. Rome-Floyd County Planning Director Brice Wood noted that the commission avoided an outright ban to prevent legal challenges.

Meanwhile, the New Orleans City Planning Commission postponed a final vote on recommended data center limitations. The commission is weighing stricter guardrails, including larger buffer zones around schools, senior facilities, and residential areas. Current draft recommendations propose a citywide ban on facilities exceeding 20 megawatts of electricity or 100,000 square feet.

This delay follows a January moratorium established by the New Orleans City Council after a proposal for a 17-acre facility in New Orleans East. The East New Orleans Neighborhood Advisory Commission requested the deferral to ensure the most affected community has a voice in the process, arguing that previous consultations were limited to utility providers and city departments.