Planning commission narrows where data centers are permitted, adds operational standards; amendment passes 5–2

The Decatur City Planning Commission on June 23 approved zoning text amendment 251‑26, a package of ordinance changes that adds a revised definition of "data center," creates an "adverse impact" definition for discretionary review, permits certain vehicle sales/service uses in industrial districts, clarifies fence exemptions and prohibits keeping chickens as an accessory use in RSA (residential single‑family attached) zones. The amendment passed by a 5–2 roll call and will be transmitted to City Council for final adoption.

Staff explained the data center changes limit where data centers are permitted (removed from most districts and allowed in industrial districts) and require operational and mitigation measures — including standards concerning building size, indoor enclosure of generators/equipment, and study requirements for fire protection, water and power consumption, noise and hazardous materials. Commissioners debated whether the draft’s numerical threshold (discussed in the meeting as a 10,000 sq ft reference) was an appropriate limit; staff and several commissioners said the threshold could be adjusted later or handled by the Board of Zoning Adjustments (BOZA) through special exceptions in cases where a larger facility is desired.

Commissioner concerns focused on whether the 10,000‑square‑foot figure is realistic for modern data operations and whether the city should provide clear guidance now or leave flexibility for future review. Chad, the planning staff presenter, told the commission the proposal intentionally confines routine approvals to industrial zoning and that larger or atypical facilities could seek special exceptions. After discussion the amendment passed 5–2.

What it means: If City Council adopts the amendment, most data centers will only be allowed in industrial districts and will be subject to clearer operational and study requirements; the amendment also tightens accessory use rules (chickens in attached residential) and clarifies which temporary or public fences are exempt from permitting.

Next steps: The Planning Commission’s recommendation goes to Decatur City Council for final consideration. Staff said commissioners asked for future redlines and additional review of numeric thresholds before final local adoption.