Data Center Zoning Ordinance
Summary
Levy Court changed county zoning to allow data centers in Limited and General Industrial districts, with conditions. Supporters see jobs and investment; opponents raised concerns at a well-attended hearing.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 3
- Last 30 days
- 0
Last discussed Jul 21, 2026.
Impact analysis
Utilities and future ratepayers could bear transmission upgrade costs, which the county ordinance cannot regulate.
Data center developers and industrial landowners, plus residents hoping for investment and jobs.
Opponents who testified worry about impacts on nearby communities; the ordinance's conditions are meant to mitigate this.
Mentions & discussions (4)
Levy Court Business - Jul 21, 2026
Levy Court changed county zoning to allow data centers in Limited and General Industrial districts, with conditions. Supporters see jobs and investment; opponents raised concerns at a well-attended hearing.
Kent County moves to regulate future data center development
Kent County moves to regulate future data center development Delaware Business Times
Regional Planning Commission Public Hearing - Jul 2, 2026
Kent County currently has no data center standards — one could be approved today with no setbacks or noise rules. The new ordinance would allow them only in industrial districts with 300/400-foot setbacks, a 55 dB(A) noise limit, buffers, noise studies, and decommissioning requirements.
Levy Court Business - Jun 9, 2026
Ordinance LC26-06 would add data centers as a conditional permitted use in the county's industrial zoning districts — a significant land-use policy move as data center development spreads in Delaware.
Related development
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