Louisville residents have until Friday to weigh in on proposed data center rules

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — Louisville is giving residents one last chance to help shape the future of data center development in the city.

The public comment period on a proposal that would ban new hyperscale data centers and create new rules for smaller facilities closes Friday.

Under the proposed regulations, released June 18, new data centers larger than 500,000 square feet would not be allowed. It would also require any proposed developments to be located in industrial areas.

Leaders said the city is trying to reduce the environmental impact of smaller developments "while protecting Louisville residents, existing businesses, infrastructure, and utility customers."

The following additional regulations were also outlined:

Protect utility customers by requiring evidence that new facilities will not shift any costs to existing ratepayers;
Require the developer presenting the proposal to bear the cost of improvements to infrastructure if upgrades are required;
Limit data center development to designated industrial areas;
Require environmentally low-impact construction and site design practices;
Require substantial separation from homes, schools, and daycare facilities;
Require a public hearing and conditional use permit for data centers that do not meet outlined exceptions for existing business operations;
Establish noise standards and buffering requirements for generators and other equipment;
Require the entity making the proposal to be transparent and disclose the company that would own and be using the proposed development; and
Pay prevailing wages in connection with the project’s construction.

Residents have until Friday to review the proposal and submit feedback. City planners will then review public comments before holding a public hearing and sending the regulations to Metro Council for consideration.

The full proposal can be found here, and you can click here to submit public feedback.