Data Center Zoning Regulations and Moratorium Debate
Bowling Green
Summary
The city adopted strict zoning rules for data centers — 1,500-foot setbacks from homes, schools, and hospitals, utility-impact plans, and bonded decommissioning — after 33 residents urged a six-month moratorium instead. A late-filed pause failed 2-3, leaving opponents worried about noise, water, and electric rates.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 2
- Last 30 days
- 0
Last discussed Jun 16, 2026.
Impact analysis
No direct cost tonight, but residents fear higher utility bills and property-value hits if a data center ever comes; the regulations themselves impose no spending.
All residents gain protections before any data center proposal arrives, though opponents say the rules don't go far enough.
Residents who wanted a pause before adoption say their concerns about noise, water, and rates were not fully addressed; no data center is currently proposed.
Mentions & discussions (2)
Board of Commissioners — June 16, 2026
The city adopted strict zoning rules for data centers — 1,500-foot setbacks from homes, schools, and hospitals, utility-impact plans, and bonded decommissioning — after 33 residents urged a six-month moratorium instead. A late-filed pause failed 2-3, leaving opponents worried about noise, water, and electric rates.
Board of Commissioners — June 2, 2026
Ordinance BG2026-6 adds Kentucky's most restrictive data center rules: 1,500-foot setbacks from homes, schools, and hospitals; closed-loop water systems; utility cost plans; facade design standards; noise testing limits; and bonded decommissioning plans. Without it, data centers could go almost anywhere in light or heavy industrial zoning with no special standards.
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