Update: Savannah Weighs Data Center Zoning Rules as Public Input Continues

Update to an earlier report: This article includes new information about a story we previously covered. Read our earlier report.

Data centers are temporarily not a permitted use in Savannah, but city leaders have not decided whether they should be allowed or what conditions would apply. Residents, businesses and neighborhood groups can weigh in on proposed zoning rules through Nov. 20.

Savannah is developing a zoning amendment with Chatham County and the Savannah-Chatham Metropolitan Planning Commission. The proposal would formally define data centers as a land use and create development standards for the city.

Mayor Van Johnson described the process as an approximately 155-day study to gather information about possible impacts and hear from residents and other stakeholders. He said the city has made no final decision on whether to permit data centers. An initial draft ordinance may be presented to City Council in December, Johnson said, and would remain a draft for review and discussion.

Potential rules include how far facilities must be from homes, schools, parks, hospitals and other sensitive places. Officials are also considering standards for noise, electricity and water use, cooling technology, emergency response plans and safe facility closure. Another question is whether major data centers should help pay for infrastructure improvements or provide other community benefits.

Johnson has said officials need to assess what the developments could mean for Savannah’s water, power grid, neighborhoods, environment and tax base, as well as whether costs that belong to the industry could fall on the city.

Chatham County Commission Chairman Chester Ellis said residents and local governments should be involved before decisions are made. He also raised the possibility that state legislation could conflict with local regulations, which could require officials to revisit their rules.

Public hearings before the Metropolitan Planning Commission and City Council will be announced once they are scheduled. The city’s proposed standards remain under development.

Yolonda Harris
News Now Georgia