Plan commission unanimously backs six‑month moratorium on new data‑center zoning applications

DeKalb County’s Plan Commission voted unanimously on April 8 to recommend that the County Commissioners adopt a six‑month moratorium on zoning approvals for data centers and their accessory facilities, a pause intended to prevent applications from being grandfathered while the county writes new rules.

The commission’s recommendation came after staff and commissioners described plans to gather technical data and public input before drafting an amendment to the county’s Unified Development Ordinance. Andrew Cruz, the commission’s legal counsel, told members a moratorium is treated as a zoning change under the UDO and is the only straightforward mechanism to halt new filings while an ordinance is prepared and reviewed.

Commissioners and committee members described a wide range of data‑center types — from small server farms to hyperscale facilities — and discussed siting drivers including access to the electrical grid and water. Speakers noted that cooling systems differ by design; one participant cited that some designs may use as much as roughly 150,000 gallons per day, while smaller air‑cooled facilities can use little or no water. The commission said the ordinance review committee plans to gather research, solicit public comment and draft a proposed ordinance that could limit certain sizes or types of facilities.

Members of the public spoke in support of the pause. Jessica Hardy of Auburn thanked the commission for moving proactively and urged commissioners to educate themselves on water and power use before drafting regulations. Chuck Knox, who said he had recently visited a data center, encouraged the commission to seek rules that protect water resources and bring value to the community; he also referenced recent regional utility regulatory proceedings involving large users and tariff structures.

After public comment the commission moved and seconded a favorable recommendation on Petition 2611; a roll‑call vote recorded all present commissioners as voting "yes." The recommendation now goes to the DeKalb County Commissioners for consideration. The commission discussed a six‑month period with the option to extend and said it would aim to hold public outreach as part of the ordinance drafting timeline.

The commission also received routine liaison reports: Auburn reported two approved rezones from residential to institutional, and Waterlue reported ongoing review of utility pole work by NIPCO and potential permitting implications. No other petitions were considered that evening.