Augusta Releases Draft Ordinance for Data Center Rules, Commission to Vote September 15

Augusta officials unveiled a draft ordinance on September 10. It regulates data center development across the city. The Augusta Commission will review it on September 15.

The 29-page draft spells out standards for zoning, noise, environmental impacts, and how facilities must operate. These buildings house computer servers and supply computing power for artificial intelligence applications. Officials wrote the proposal to attract investment while ensuring new construction fits with long-term planning objectives.

Standards include such things as zoning districts, minimum setbacks from residential areas, site design, and architectural compatibility. The ordinance addresses utility coordination, infrastructure capacity, emergency access, and public safety requirements. Environmental performance gets attention. Stormwater management and compliance monitoring do too.

The draft creates five classifications, which include accessory, minor, medium, major, and data center campus. Developers must work with the city on community benefits agreements.

In July, commissioners rejected proposed regulations. They extended the city's moratorium on data centers for 60 days. The extension allowed officials to gather public input and examine how other communities regulate similar facilities.

City officials stressed that releasing the draft doesn't mean approval. The commission must review and act on the proposal.

Residents can examine the draft before the September 15 commission meeting. The Planning and Development website at augustaga.gov has it posted.