Euharlee GA proposed data center ordinance (2026)

Euharlee Planning and Zoning Commission (EPZC): ordinance tabled Sept. 8, 2026; recommended approval Sept. 22, 2026 after a public hearing (about 20 attendees, seven speakers); motion by James Thibault, second by Lovako Patterson, passed unanimously with Chairman Jud Mobbs absent. Drafted provisions as reported: data centers allowed in I-1 and I-2, conditional use in A-1; noise protections; closed-loop cooling; energy-efficiency requirements added after the first meeting; commissioner Steve Gray proposed lowering the 50-acre minimum lot size (to 5, then 10 acres) but agreed to leave it at 50 acres; a half-mile buffer from government facilities was discussed and dropped. City Manager James Stephens: modeled on the Bartow County ordinance; Mayor Craig Guyton fielded calls from attorneys for property owners/end users; no applications pending; council will hold at least two public hearings and two readings and may edit the ordinance. City Council first reading Oct. 6, 2026 and second reading Oct. 20, 2026 (7 p.m.). NOT ESTABLISHED: ordinance number; final council text; official agenda (not located).