Data center ordinance for Kent County
Summary
The county has no zoning rules for data centers, so the commission recommended a new ordinance adding them as a conditional use in industrial districts with setbacks, noise limits and buffer requirements. Residents testified strongly against data centers, citing electric bills, water use, noise and property values.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 3
- Last 30 days
- 0
Last discussed Jul 9, 2026.
Impact analysis
Residents warned data centers could raise electric bills and lower nearby property values.
County planners gain tools to regulate where data centers can go; industrial landowners gain a defined path to approval.
Nearby residents could face noise, water draw and power-grid strain if weak conditions allow a poorly sited facility.
Mentions & discussions (3)
Regional Planning Commission Business Meeting - Jul 9, 2026
The county has no zoning rules for data centers, so the commission recommended a new ordinance adding them as a conditional use in industrial districts with setbacks, noise limits and buffer requirements. Residents testified strongly against data centers, citing electric bills, water use, noise and property values.
Regional Planning Commission Public Hearing - Jul 2, 2026
With data centers showing interest in the county, this draft ordinance would let them locate in industrial zones under strict conditions: 300-foot setbacks, 55-decibel noise limits at the property line, noise studies before and after construction, shielded lighting and decommissioning rules.
Levy Court Business - Jun 9, 2026
A new ordinance would allow data centers in limited and general industrial zones with conditions. It heads to a July 21 public hearing — a big land-use question as data center development spreads regionally.
Related development
We'll email you when it's on an upcoming agenda and when it's voted on, at most once a day.
The weekly brief for Kent County
What the council decided, in plain English — one email a week.
Free. Unsubscribe with one click any time. We never sell your email.