The Floyd County Commission has approved new regulations governing future data center development in the county.
Under the new rules, data centers will only be allowed in areas zoned Heavy Industrial and must meet requirements addressing noise, water and power usage, environmental impacts, safety and future property cleanup.
Rome-Floyd County Planning Director Brice Wood said violations could result in fines of up to $1,000 per day. Continued violations could also lead to the suspension or revocation of a business license or certificate of occupancy.
Before receiving permits, developers must provide studies showing the project’s expected impact on electricity, water, sewer and broadband services. Utility providers must also confirm that adequate capacity will be available.
The ordinance establishes noise limits, including stricter standards for facilities located near residential areas. Data center buildings must also meet sound-reduction requirements and maintain required setbacks from homes and residential property.
Water conservation is another major focus. Developers will be encouraged to use closed-loop cooling systems, and facilities using water-cooled equipment must include water-reclamation systems. Private wells and septic systems will not be allowed.
The regulations also include requirements for lighting, landscaping, fencing, emergency response plans, fire protection and backup generators.
Developers will also be required to submit a decommissioning plan and provide financial guarantees to cover the cost of removing the facility and restoring the property if the data center eventually closes.
The new regulations were approved following a public hearing. While most speakers supported the ordinance, some residents said they believed stronger restrictions were needed.
Wood said banning data centers outright would not be the best approach, noting that similar bans in other states have faced challenges.
