The Stockbridge council added data centers as a permitted commercial use. The provision applies to the C-3 (heavy commercial) zoning district.
The council approved the text amendment during the February 13 meeting. The amendment is the first since Stockbridge adopted a new zoning code last year.
Data Centers in Stockbridge
First, what are data centers? In short, they house the internet. Companies need space to store websites, social media posts and YouTube videos. Data centers fulfill this role. Imagine a large open floor space filled with computers and IT equipment.
Data centers are often housed in warehouses, but their similarities with distribution end there. The centers produce little to no truck traffic, and offer higher wages for employees. Most jobs are in computer engineering or IT to maintain the data servers.
Traditional zoning codes consider data centers to be an industrial use. As such, they are historically permitted in only manufacturing or distribution zoning districts. The Atlanta area is experiencing record low industrial vacancy rates placing a high demand on current industrial zonings. As such, traditional distribution offers a higher return on investment for landowners.
The Henry County Development Authority has asked the local cities to consider permitting data centers in highway commercial zoning. Highway commercial, referred to as heavy commercial by some cities, is the highest and most intensive commercial zoning. Example uses include auto sales lots, big box retailers and hotels. Adding data centers allows for potential redevelop of vacant retail space. It also better positions Henry County to attract data centers. This change permits data centers in a larger area, rather than only industrial districts.
The Stockbridge council is the first to approve data centers in commercial zoning. Unincorporated Henry County already allows it in commercial areas. The other city councils have not considered it at this time.
Featured image shows computer racks. Stock photo.
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