The Madison County Board of Commissioners recently approved changes to the Land Use Ordinance to regulate data processing facilities, following a one-year moratorium that was put in place on June 13, 2023. The decision to include language regulating such facilities was made in response to the need for oversight in this area, as the county’s ordinance did not previously address data processing facilities.
The Planning Board met on March 19 to discuss and finalize the draft language related to these facilities, which was then approved by the commissioners. The regulations include criteria such as size, with small data processing facilities permitted in Commercial districts and larger facilities in Industrial districts. The ordinance also outlined requirements for height, use separation, security measures, and noise control.
The resolution approved by the commissioners emphasized the importance of regulating data processing facilities for the economic development and technological advancement of Madison County. The decision to implement these regulations was not prompted by any specific applicants, but rather by a desire to prevent issues experienced in other regions, such as excessive noise and waste disposal problems.
While some board members expressed concerns about the size limitations for small facilities, Development Services Director Brad Guth clarified that the regulations were designed to strike a balance between allowing for these facilities to operate while minimizing their impact on the community. The goal is to ensure that data processing facilities are located in appropriate zones and do not disrupt the activities of neighboring properties.
Overall, the new regulations aim to provide oversight and control over data processing facilities in Madison County, while also supporting the county’s economic growth and technological progress.