Coweta County Approves Data Center Ordinance Amid Protests and Split Vote

The Coweta County Board of Commissioners approved a data center ordinance with a 4-1 vote, despite public protests. Chairman Bill McKenzie opposed the ordinance, citing concerns over building height and lack of a decommissioning plan.

The ordinance allows data centers in Light Industrial and Industrial zones on properties of at least 25 acres, with building heights capped at 70 feet. It requires a 300-foot setback from homes, noise limits, and community meetings before rezoning.

Open-loop cooling systems are prohibited. The approval also affects Project Sail, a proposed data center on 832 acres, estimated to use 6 million gallons of water daily. Community meetings for residents are required before moving forward with rezoning, which is expected to begin in late Q1 2026.