Public Hearing: YES ☒ NO ☐ Department: Board of Commissioners - District 7
SUBJECT:
Title
Commission District(s): All Commission Districts
Adoption of an ordinance to amend Chapter 27 of the Code of DeKalb County, Georgia, to establish Data Center Definitions and Data Center Classifications for regulatory oversight of any potential data center development and operations.
Body
Information Contact: Commissioner LaDena Bolton
Phone Number: 404.371.2899
PURPOSE:
To adopt a comprehensive regulatory framework governing data center development in DeKalb County by establishing clear definitions, tier classifications, operational categories, and environmental impact standards. This ordinance supports responsible regulations, protects residential communities, and aligns development with County sustainability and infrastructure‑planning goals .
NEED/IMPACT:
DeKalb County requires a formal regulatory framework to address any proposed data center development associated with cloud computing, artificial intelligence, digital storage, and high-density computing. As stated in the ordinance:
“The absence of clear definitions and classifications for data centers complicates permitting, zoning, environmental review, and long-term infrastructure planning.”
Data centers impose significant demands on electrical infrastructure, water resources, transportation networks, and environmental conditions. Without standardized definitions and classifications, the County lacks the ability to consistently evaluate and regulate these facilities based on size, operational type, energy consumption, water usage, noise emissions, and backup power systems.
Establishing a comprehensive Data Center Definitions and Classification Ordinance is necessary to:
• Provide clear regulatory oversight
• Ensure responsible land-use planning
• Protect residential communities
• Support infrastructure stability
• Align development with County sustainability goals
• Improve permitting and environmental review processes
This ordinance creates the foundational framework needed for DeKalb County to monitor, manage, and regulate data center operations effectively and proactively.
FISCAL IMPACT:
No direct fiscal impact. Implementation will be absorbed within existing Planning & Sustainability regulatory functions.
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommended Action
Adopt the ordinance and authorize the Chief Executive Officer to execute all necessary documents...