Stephens County Commissioners hold Work Session on Data Centers Ordinance 

Around 70 people attended, and almost half spoke at the Stephens County Board of Commissioners’ Called Work Session to discuss an ordinance to govern data centers on Tuesday, June 2, at the Historic Courthouse.

Stephens County currently lacks an ordinance, and Commissioners want to be prepared if a data center chooses to consider Stephens County. This ordinance will be designed to protect current residents and property owners. No data centers have reached out to Stephens County about constructing a facility. 

Stephens County Commissioner Tara Simmons was thrilled with the turnout at the meeting.

The current goal is to examine regional and state ordinances so that Stephens County can be prepared well in advance if a data center were to apply to locate in the county. Staff is researching other ordinances to craft one that will protect Stephens County citizens through smart land use.

Stephens County Commissioner Chris Rickman said protecting the people and resources of Stephens County is the top priority.

One citizen said the ordinance should be one word, no!

Commissioner Simmons, who is a lawyer, said a total ban may be considered unconstitutional in court.

The Stephens County Board of Commissioners recently extended a moratorium on the permitting of data centers through October 14, 2026, to give the county time to get the ordinance in place. 

You can watch the Stephens County Board of Commissioners Called Work Session on the discussion of the proposed ordinance governing data centers in Stephens County on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fKKJrr1-NSQ.

Pictured (L-R) Stephens County Commissioners Craig Oglesby, Chris Rickman, Tara Simmons, and Chuck Wright