Planning board defers decision on data-center zoning, asks staff for deeper research

The Fort Pierce Planning Board on Sept. 17 declined to assign a permanent zoning category to "data centers," directing staff to prepare deeper research and asking the City Commission to place the matter on an information agenda.

Planning Director Kevin Freeman told the board that "this item deals with the aspect of, what use a data center should be categorized as." Freeman said the city's use table does not list "data center," so the board must determine a similar use under section 1-2-56 of the code, and that the decision could create entitlements for an entire zoning district. Staff outlined technical and community concerns — continuous HVAC and cooling, significant electrical and telecommunications infrastructure, on-site generators and fuel storage, and potential noise from mechanical equipment — and recommended more analysis before a policy determination.

Several board members and the public said they wanted time for a more complete review. One board member moved that "this board asked the planning department to deeper research this agenda item and come back to us when it's appropriate" and that staff request that the City Commission schedule an information item, motions the board approved by roll call.

Freeman said staff would consult with commissioners and external agencies, prepare zoning-code amendment options if appropriate, and return to the planning board with findings and a recommended path for codification or further public hearings.