On the agenda: Cowetacoga Coweta County Board of Commissioners - Work Session — Data Center (Oct 13)

Coweta County Board of Commissioners
Work Session
Agenda

October 13, 2026

9:00 AM

22 East Broad Street
Newnan, GA 30263

www.coweta.ga.us
Shannon Jackson
Zerangue
County Clerk
770.254.2601
Commission Chambers
37 Perry Street
Newnan, GA 30263

Coweta County Board of Commissioners
Roll Call/Call to Order
Meeting Called to Order
Pledge of Allegiance
Invocation

Regular Session
1.

Discussion Regarding the Coweta County Data Center Ordinance

2.

Presentation of Quality Development Corridor District (QDCD) Materials

3.

Discussion Regarding the Coweta County Alcohol Ordinance

Adjournment
As set forth in the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1992, the Coweta County government does not
discriminate on the basis of disability, and will assist citizens with special needs given proper notice (48
hours). For information, please call (770) 254-2608.

Coweta County Board of Commissioners

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Item # 1

Administration
To:
From:
Date:
RE:

Coweta County Board of Commissioners
Autumn Payne, Deputy County Clerk
October 13, 2026
Discussion Regarding the Coweta County Data Center Ordinance

Issue:
Discussion Regarding the Coweta County Data Center Ordinance
Discussion:
At the Work Session on July 14, 2026, the Board directed staff to prepare an amendment to the
Code of Ordinances related to data center developments. A draft of the proposed amendments
was provided to the Board on August 25 for review.
Key Changes:
• Remove data center use as a conditional use in the Light Industrial (LM) zoning district.
• Remove data center use as a permitted use in the Industrial (M) zoning district.
• Add data center use as a conditional use in the Industrial (M) zoning district, which
means all properties (including those already zoned M) will require Board approval for
data center use.
• Amend other sections as directed by the Board or recommended by staff.
Fiscal Impact:

Recommendation:

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ARTICLE 18 – LM LIGHT INDUSTRIAL DISTRICT
[..]
Sec. 182. Conditional uses.
The following conditional uses may be permitted, subject to approval of a conditional use permit by the
board of commissioners, after receiving the recommendation of the board of zoning appeals as provided in article
28.
(1)

Church or any other place of worship provided that approval of the conditional use is not detrimental
to the health or general welfare of the neighboring property owners[, and provided:]
That owners acknowledge that they may be subject to certain noxious odors, noises, traffic and
business practices that members may consider inconsistent with a church.
That owners affirm that they understand that by accepting this conditional zoning they are waiving any
objection they may have under county ordinance to placement of or approval of any business, industry
or practice on surrounding or nearby property that is otherwise allowed by county ordinances.

(2)

Shooting range, indoor, must meet at a minimum, all the following requirements:
a.

Shall be required to meet all applicable standards established by The NRA Range Source Book
published by the NRA.

b.

Shall be required to meet all applicable standards established by Lead Management and OSHA
Compliance for Indoor Shooting Ranges published by the National Association of Shooting Ranges
(NASR) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

c.

Shall be required to have a NRA Range Technical Team Evaluation and provide a copy of the final
report from the range technical team advisor prior to the certificate of occupancy and business
license being issued.

d.

Liability insurance required. Each application for a license issued under this permit shall be
accompanied by evidence that the applicant has obtained a general liability insurance policy in an
amount not less than $1,000,000.00 per occurrence. Such insurance policy shall remain in force
and effect during the term of the license. Such insurance policy shall contain a clause requiring
the insurer to immediately notify the county if for any reason, coverage under the policy
terminates. The proof of insurance required by this section shall be furnished to the county upon
each renewal of the license. Additionally, the licensee shall furnish to the county proof of
insurance when requested to do so.

e.

Certified instructors required. The owner or operator of an indoor shooting range shall have on
the premises at all times during range operation an individual certified as a firearm or range
instructor by the National Rifle Association or the Georgia Peace Officers Standards and Training
(P.O.S.T.) Council.

f.

Shall provide an operating telephone available to range participants and spectators for the
purpose of contacting emergency medical services.

g.

A first-aid kit containing the items recommended by a certified expert in emergency medical
treatment shall be readily available at each shooting sports facility for emergency treatment or
care of minor injuries.

h.

A management guidebook shall be maintained that includes procedures for operations,
maintenance, and lead management and recovery. The management guidebook shall be kept onsite and shall be accessible at all times to those using the shooting sports facility.

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(3)

(4)

Shooting range, outdoor, must meet at a minimum, all the following requirements:
a.

Shall be required to meet all applicable standards established by The NRA Range Source Book
published by the NRA.

b.

Shall be required to meet all applicable standards established by Lead Management and OSHA
Compliance for Indoor Shooting Ranges published by the National Association of Shooting Ranges
(NASR) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the EPA's Best
Management Practices for Outdoor Shooting Ranges.

c.

Shall be required to have a NRA Range Technical Team Evaluation and provide a copy of the final
report from the range technical team advisor prior to the certificate of occupancy and business
license being issued.

d.

Liability insurance required. Each application for a license issued under this permit shall be
accompanied by evidence that the applicant has obtained a general liability insurance policy in an
amount not less than $1,000,000.00 per occurrence. Such insurance policy shall remain in force
and effect during the term of the license. Such insurance policy shall contain a clause requiring
the insurer to immediately notify the county if for any reason, coverage under the policy
terminates. The proof of insurance required by this section shall be furnished to the county upon
each renewal of the license. Additionally, the licensee shall furnish to the county proof of
insurance when requested to do so.

e.

Certified instructors required. The owner or operator of an indoor shooting range shall have on
the premises at all times during range operation an individual certified as a firearm or range
instructor by the National Rifle Association or the Georgia Peace Officers Standards and Training
(P.O.S.T.) Council.

f.

Shall provide an operating telephone available to range participants and spectators for the
purpose of contacting emergency medical services.

g.

A first-aid kit containing the items recommended by a certified expert in emergency medical
treatment shall be readily available at each shooting sports facility for emergency treatment or
care of minor injuries.

h.

A management guidebook shall be maintained that includes procedures for operations,
maintenance, and lead management and recovery. The management guidebook shall be kept onsite and shall be accessible at all times to those using the shooting sports facility.

i.

Prior to submitting for the conditional use permit, applicant shall have the NRA Range
Development Technical Team advise as to the standard of noise reduction possible and to what
decibel level the proposed operation will create. Applicant shall provide NRA documentation of
the evaluation including any potential noise levels.

j.

Applicant shall not exceed noise level granted in the conditional use permit. If complaints are
received, the director shall use the best tools reasonably available to determine the merit of the
complaint. If determined by the director that a valid noise concern exists, approval from board of
commissioners to employ services of a noise consultant shall be requested. All related expenses
shall be incurred by the applicant. The community development department shall obtain an
estimate of the expenses and the applicant shall pay the estimate in advance. Should the actual
costs be less than the estimate, the applicant shall be returned the balance. In addition, applicant
will be given 30 days to modify shooting range to reduce noise to approved level or all outdoor
shooting range activities shall cease.

Data centers, subject to the following requirements:
a.

Development standards.
(i)

Minimum lot area: Twenty-five acres

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(ii)

Maximum height: Sixty feet building height with up to an additional ten feet for parapet
and rooftop equipment, not to exceed 70 feet total, subject to applicable federal, state,
and local regulations

(iii)

Minimum lot width: Two hundred fifty feet of frontage.

(iv)

Minimum front yard setback: Seventy-five feet.

(V)

Minimum side yard setback: One hundred feet.

(vi)

Minimum rear yard setback: One hundred feet.

(vii) Minimum distance between buildings: One hundred feet.
(viii) Maximum lot coverage: Eighty percent.
b.

c.

Infrastructure requirements.
(i)

Water: Public water.

(ii)

Wastewater: Sewer.

Community meetings. The applicant must schedule one community meeting to describe the
project, including site plans, building elevations, and a viewshed analysis from public rights-ofway. The meeting must:
(i)

Occur after the rezoning petition has been filed and not less than 30 days prior to the
public hearing associated with the rezoning petition.

(ii)

Must be conducted within the geographic boundary of Coweta County, Georgia between
the hours of 5:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. EST.

(iii)

Notice of the community meetings must comply with the following:

(iv)
d.

i.

The content of the notice and signage defined in this paragraph shall include
the applicant's name and contact information, a brief description of the project
including the parcel number and road frontage, date, time, and location of the
community meeting, and must be approved by the community development
director or their designee.

ii.

Mail letters to owners of all real property within 1,000 feet of the property lines
at least 14 days prior to the community meeting.

iii.

Advertise in a newspaper of general circulation serving the residents of Coweta
County. The advertisement shall appear at least one week prior to the
community meeting, be prominently displayed, be at least 30 square inches,
and not placed in the legal section of the newspaper.

iv.

Post signage on the subject property along road frontage, at least 14 days prior
to the community meeting. The sign must be at least 20 square feet in size and
legible at least 25 feet from the sign. Signage shall remain until the conclusion
of the community meeting.

An applicant representative with decision-making authority on the design of the data
center must attend the community meeting in-person.

Building design. The proposed data center buildings must be designed to minimize adverse visual
impacts on surrounding development as demonstrated by the submission of elevations,
architectural sketches, or sight lines studies.
Exterior building materials shall include at least two of the following for any elevations viewable
from public roads and right-of-way:

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• Brick, stone, or architectural precast concrete panels.
• Architectural metal panels with non-reflective finish.
• High-quality fiber cement panels.
If the building is visible from any public right-of-way, the elevation of that wall shall contain
fenestration of at least 30 percent of the gross wall area measured above-grade.
If the building is visible from any public right-of-way, the building façade viewable from the rightof-way shall incorporate at least two of the following design features to break up the building
mass:
• Vertical or horizontal articulation of the façade at intervals not exceeding 50 feet.
• Variation in building height of at least ten percent across the façade, or stepped
rooflines.
• Use of architectural projections or recesses at least two feet in depth.
• Changes in façade materials or colors with a minimum of two types of materials.
e.

Buffers. Data center buildings that adjoin property zoned or used for residential purposes are
subject to the following requirements:
(i)

Minimum Buffer: Three hundred feet from the property line.

(ii)

Vegetation. Where a buffer is required, the first 100 feet along the property line shall
remain in an undisturbed, natural state, except for approved fencing, access and utility
improvements; however, if the first 100 feet along the property line is sparsely vegetated it
shall be planted in accordance with article 25. The remaining 200 feet buffer may be
disturbed and graded. If the buffer is disturbed, it shall be planted in accordance with
article 25.

f.

Fencing. Fencing of the property is required to enclose the data center facility. If the fencing is
located along the property line, it shall be decorative metal and a minimum of eight feet in
height. Anti-climb features including but not limited to barbed, concertina, razor, or similar uses
shall be prohibited. If the fencing is located within the buffer and not visible from adjacent
properties or roadways, it may be constructed of vinyl-coated chain-link and may include anticlimb features.

g.

Noise.
(i)

Noise survey. Prior to the issuance of a land disturbance permit, the applicant shall engage
with a noise and acoustical consultant to perform a pre-construction ambient noise survey.
Prior to conducting the survey, the scope of the noise survey will be determined in
coordination with the community development director and an independent acoustical
firm hired by the county. However, as a minimum, 90th-percentile sound levels (L90) and
equivalent sound levels (Leq) shall be logged with a Type 1 or Type 2 sound level meter, as
defined by ANSI standard S1.4, at least every hour in A-weighted decibels, dB(A), using slow
meter response at any noise-sensitive residential property boundary line(s). Measurements
should be taken over a minimum period of 72 hours. A report detailing the results of the
noise survey and predicted impact of the proposed development must be provided to the
community development director to be reviewed by an independent firm hired by the
county. The report must be approved prior to the issuance of a land disturbance permit.

(ii)

Nighttime. Between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m., the data center shall not generate noise that
persists for more than 60-seconds that is in excess of 5dB(A) above the pre-construction
ambient noise level when measured at the property boundary line shared with a
residentially zoned property.

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(iii)

Daytime. Between 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m., the data center shall not generate noise that
persists for more than 60-seconds that is in excess of 10dB(A) above the pre-construction
ambient noise level when measured at the property boundary line shared with a
residentially zoned property.

(iv)

Testing of backup generators is limited to weekdays during the hours between 9:00 a.m.
and 5:00 p.m. and shall not occur on federal holidays.

(v)

Use of backup generators that exceed the maximum sound levels is permitted during
emergency power outages.

(vi)

Violations. If it is found that the noise regulations contained herein are being violated, the
appropriate county authority shall notify the property owner in writing indicating the
nature of the violation and ordering the action necessary to correct it. Such written notice
shall not be a necessary condition precedent to enforcement of the section. If the violation
constitutes a continuing nuisance, the appropriate county authority shall take any other
action necessary to ensure compliance with or to prevent violation of this section, up to
and including legal remedies.

h.

Environmental impact analysis. The applicant shall provide an environmental impact assessment
as part of the zoning petition for the proposed project to determine and quantify the potential
impacts of the proposed project. The environmental impact assessment shall be based upon
research, site visits, and accepted environmental sampling and investigative practices for water
resources, air quality, ecology, archaeology, and cultural/historical resources.

i.

Site lighting. All exterior site and building lighting shall utilize full cutoff, fully shielded (zero
uplight) fixtures designed to maintain the existing night sky darkness and to prevent light
trespass onto adjacent properties and streets. Light fixtures shall be located at least four times
the mounting height of the fixture away from adjacent property lines. The mounting height of all
site lighting shall not exceed 20 feet above finished grade.
At any property line abutting a residential use, the lighting shall not exceed 0.05 footcandles
measured at ground level.

j.

Parking. The applicant shall set aside land area to accommodate one space per 2,000 square feet
of gross floor area (GFA). However, the actual number of parking spaces constructed shall be
determined based on the submittal of a parking analysis by the applicant to be reviewed and
approved by the public works administrator.

k.

Construction traffic. Prior to the issuance of a land disturbance permit, the applicant shall provide
a construction traffic management plan (CTMP) for review, comment and approval by the
community development director in coordination with the public works administrator, Coweta
County Fire Chief, and Coweta County Sheriff. At the discretion of the public works administrator,
a surety bond may be required to cover costs related to potential damage to public roads and
right-of-way. Transportation improvements that are determined to be necessary to serve the
development must be designed in conjunction with the site development plans and must be
under construction prior to the issuance of any building permits for permanent structures on the
property.

l.

Waste management plan. The applicant shall publish an annual report detailing waste
management activities and make it publicly available.

m.

Equipment, generator, and substation enclosures and screening. All mechanical equipment,
emergency generators, substations, and appurtenances shall be screened from view from any
public right-of-way or adjoining property zoned or used for residential purposes. The screening
shall be a minimum of eight feet high consisting of fence, wall, and/or a vegetative berm
providing a minimum opacity of 95 percent.

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n.

Cooling and ventilation. The applicant shall specify the proposed cooling and ventilation
equipment as part of the zoning petition. Open-loop systems are prohibited for all liquid cooling
and ventilation equipment.

ARTICLE 19 – M INDUSTRIAL DISTRICT
[..]

Sec. 191. Permitted uses.
The following uses are allowed in any M district, subject to the further provisions of this ordinance:
(1)

Any permitted structure and use identified as such in article 18 under the LM light industrial district.

(2)

Brick, tile, and terracotta manufacture.

(3)

Cement, lime, gypsum or plaster of Paris manufacture.

(4)

Concrete, cement products or clay products manufacture.

(5)

Foundry or forging plants.

(6)

Grain elevators or commercial feed mills.

(7)

Poultry killing, plucking or processing.

(8)

Rock, sand or gravel distribution or storage.

(9)

Truck terminals.

(10) Wood recycling centers, provided that the wood stockpiles do not exceed 20 feet in height, and that
the owner(s) submits the following in addition to other development and licensing requirements:
(a)

A bond or letter of credit in a form acceptable to the county attorney, to assist with legal fees, to
ensure the removal of any wood material stock that is abandoned on-site after the business
ceases operation. The amount shall be calculated at a rate of $5,000.00 per acre of storage area
as shown on the approved development site plan. If the storage area results in a fractional
acreage, the bond or letter of credit amount shall be adjusted by percentage of the fractional
area, and

(b)

A notarized letter indicating that the owner has read and understands his/her responsibilities to
comply with the Georgia Solid Waste Management Chapter 391-3-4-.04 (60/90 Rule) which states
that 60 percent of the weight or volume of material must be used, reused, sold or recycled during
a 90-day period.

(11) Customary accessory buildings and uses.
(12) Data center or data center campus, subject to the following requirements:
a.

Development standards.
(i)

Minimum lot area: Twenty-five acres.

(ii)

Maximum height: Sixty feet building height with up to an additional ten feet for parapet
and rooftop equipment, not to exceed 70 feet total, subject to applicable federal, state,
and local regulations.

(iii)

Minimum lot width: Two hundred fifty feet of frontage.

(iv)

Minimum front yard setback: Seventy-five feet.

(v)

Minimum side yard setback: One hundred feet.

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(vi)

Minimum rear yard setback: One hundred feet.

(vii) Minimum distance between buildings: One hundred feet.
(viii) Maximum lot coverage: Eighty percent.
b.

c.

Infrastructure requirements.
(i)

Water: Public water.

(ii)

Wastewater: Sewer.

Community meetings. For properties requiring rezoning, the applicant must schedule one
community meeting to describe the project, including site plans, building elevations, and a
viewshed analysis from public rights-of-way. The meeting must:
(i)

Occur after the rezoning petition has been filed and not less than 30 days prior to the
public hearing associated with the rezoning petition.

(ii)

Must be conducted within the geographic boundary of Coweta County, Georgia between
the hours of 5:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. EST.

(iii)

Notice of the community meetings must comply with the following:

(iv)
d.

i.

The content of the notice and signage defined in this paragraph shall include
the applicant's name and contact information, a brief description of the project
including the parcel number and road frontage, date, time, and location of the
community meeting, and must be approved by the community development
director or their designee.

ii.

Mail letters to owners of all real property within 1,000-feet of the property
lines at least 14 days prior to the community meeting.

iii.

Advertise in a newspaper of general circulation serving the residents of Coweta
County. The advertisement shall appear at least one week prior to the
community meeting, be prominently displayed, be at least 30 square inches,
and not placed in the legal section of the newspaper.

iv.

Post signage on the subject property along road frontage, at least 14 days prior
to the community meeting. The sign must be at least 20 square feet in size and
legible at least 25 feet from the sign. Signage shall remain until the conclusion
of the community meeting.

An applicant representative with decision-making authority on the design of the data
center must attend the community meeting in-person.

Building design. The proposed data center buildings must be designed to minimize adverse visual
impacts on surrounding development as demonstrated by the submission of elevations,
architectural sketches, or sight lines studies.
Exterior building materials shall include at least two of the following for any elevations viewable
from public roads and right-of-way:
• Brick, stone, or architectural precast concrete panels.
• Architectural metal panels with non-reflective finish.
• High-quality fiber cement panels.
If the building is visible from any public right-of-way, the building façade viewable from the rightof-way shall incorporate at least two of the following design features to break up the building
mass:

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• Vertical or horizontal articulation of the façade at intervals not exceeding 50 feet.
• Variation in building height of at least ten percent across the façade, or stepped
rooflines.
• Use of architectural projections or recesses at least two feet in depth.
• Changes in façade materials or colors with a minimum of two types of materials.
e.

Buffers. Data center buildings that adjoin property zoned or used for residential purposes are
subject to the following requirements:
(i)

Minimum buffer: Three hundred feet from the property line

(ii)

Vegetation. Where a buffer is required, the first 100 feet along the property line shall
remain in an undisturbed, natural state, except for approved fencing, access and utility
improvements; however, if the first 100 feet along the property line is sparsely vegetated it
shall be planted in accordance with article 25. The remaining 200 feet buffer may be
disturbed and graded. If the buffer is disturbed, it shall be planted in accordance with
article 25.

f.

Fencing. Fencing of the property is required to enclose the data center facility. If the fencing is
located along the property line, it shall be decorative metal and a minimum of eight feet in
height. Anti-climb features including but not limited to barbed, concertina, razor, or similar uses
shall be prohibited. If the fencing is located within the buffer and not visible from adjacent
properties or roadways, it may be constructed of vinyl-coated chain-link and may include anticlimb features.

g.

Noise.
(i)

Noise survey. Prior to the issuance of a land disturbance permit, the applicant shall engage
with a noise and acoustical consultant to perform a pre-construction ambient noise survey.
Prior to conducting the survey, the scope of the noise survey will be determined in
coordination with the community development director and an independent acoustical
firm hired by the county. However, as a minimum, 90th-percentile sound levels (L90) and
equivalent sound levels (Leq) shall be logged with a Type 1 or Type 2 sound level meter, as
defined by ANSI standard S1.4, at least every hour in A-weighted decibels, dB(A), using slow
meter response at any noise-sensitive residential property boundary line(s). Measurements
should be taken over a minimum period of 72-hours. A report detailing the results of the
noise survey and predicted impact of the proposed development must be provided to the
community development director to be reviewed by an independent firm hired by the
county. The report must be approved prior to the issuance of a land disturbance permit.

(ii)

Nighttime. Between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m., the data center shall not generate noise that
persists for more than 60-seconds that is in excess of 5dB(A) above the pre-construction
ambient noise level when measured at the property boundary line shared with a
residentially zoned property.

(iii)

Daytime. Between 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m., the data center shall not generate noise that
persists for more than 60-seconds that is in excess of 10dB(A) above the pre-construction
ambient noise level when measured at the property boundary line shared with a
residentially zoned property.

(iv)

Testing of backup generators is limited to weekdays during the hours between 9:00 a.m.
and 5:00 p.m. and shall not occur on federal holidays.

(v)

Use of backup generators that exceed the maximum sound levels is permitted during
emergency power outages.

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Page 11 of 23

(vi)

Violations. If it is found that the noise regulation contained herein are being violated, the
appropriate county authority shall notify the property owner in writing indicating the
nature of the violation and ordering the action necessary to correct it. Such written notice
shall not be a necessary condition precedent to enforcement of the section. If the violation
constitutes a continuing nuisance, the appropriate county authority shall take any other
action necessary to ensure compliance with or to prevent violation of this section, up to
and including legal remedies.

h.

Environmental impact analysis. The applicant shall provide an environmental impact assessment
as part of the zoning petition for the proposed project to determine and quantify the potential
impacts of the proposed project. The environmental impact assessment shall be based upon
research, site visits, and accepted environmental sampling and investigative practices for water
resources, air quality, ecology, archaeology, and cultural/historical resources.

i.

Site lighting. All exterior site and building lighting shall utilize full cutoff, fully shielded (zero
uplight) fixtures designed to maintain the existing night sky darkness and to prevent light
trespass onto adjacent properties and streets. Light fixtures shall be located at least four times
the mounting height of the fixture away from adjacent property lines. The mounting height of all
site lighting shall not exceed 20 feet above finished grade.
At any property line abutting a residential use, the lighting shall not exceed 0.05 footcandles
measured at ground level.

j.

Parking. The applicant shall set aside land area to accommodate one space per 2,000 square feet
of gross floor area (GFA). However, the actual number of parking spaces constructed shall be
determined based on the submittal of a parking analysis by the applicant to be reviewed and
approved by the public works administrator.

k.

Construction traffic. Prior to the issuance of a land disturbance permit, the applicant shall provide
a construction traffic management plan (CTMP) for review, comment and approval by the
community development director in coordination with the public works administrator, Coweta
County Fire Chief, and Coweta County Sheriff. At the discretion of the public works administrator,
a surety bond may be required to cover costs related to potential damage to public roads and
right-of-way. Transportation improvements that are determined to be necessary to serve the
development must be designed in conjunction with the site development plans and must be
under construction prior to the issuance of any building permits for permanent structures on the
property.

l.

Waste management plan. The applicant shall publish an annual report detailing waste
management activities and make it publicly available.

m.

Equipment, generator, and substation enclosures and screening. All mechanical equipment,
emergency generators, substations, and appurtenances shall be screened from view from any
public right-of-way or adjoining property zoned or used for residential purposes. The screening
shall be a minimum of eight feet high consisting of fence, wall, and/or a vegetative berm
providing a minimum opacity of 95 percent.

n.

Cooling and ventilation. The applicant shall specify the proposed cooling and ventilation
equipment as part of the zoning petition. Open-loop systems are prohibited for all liquid cooling
and ventilation equipment.

o.

Utilities. As part of the rezoning petition or at the time of the land disturbance permit (if already
zoned), the applicant shall provide a letter of intent to serve the proposed project from the
applicable utility provider(s), confirming that preliminary coordination has occurred and that
service to the proposed project is feasible subject to final engineering.
Notwithstanding utility grid failure, no primary onsite power generation shall be permitted.

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p.

Air quality and emissions. Generators should be classified as stationary sources and shall meet
Tier 4 final standards. Dust control shall comply with regulations contained in chapter 30
Environment.

q.

Substations. Substations are considered accessory uses to data centers and shall not be located
within 300 feet of an adjacent public road or residentially zoned property.

r.

Emergency response. The data center operator shall coordinate with the Coweta County
911/EMA Director or designee to perform specialized training at least once annually to include
applicable public safety agencies. The data center operator shall reimburse the county for all
costs to perform specialized training and necessary equipment related to the data center facility.

Sec. 192. Conditional uses.
The following conditional uses may be permitted, subject to approval of a conditional use permit by the
board of commissioners, after receiving the recommendation of the board of zoning appeals as provided in article
28:
(1)

Central mixing plant for cement, mortar, plaster, and/or building materials.

[(2) Reserved.]
(3)

Asphalt and concrete batching plants.

(4)

Bone rendering plants.

(5)

Salvage and junk yards, provided any such use is screened from public view by a solid wall, planted
screen or similar opaque partition at least six feet in height, and provided such wall or opaque partition
is set back at least 50 feet from all property lines.

(6)

Church or any other place of worship provided that approval of the conditional use is not detrimental
to the health or general welfare of the neighboring property owners[, and provided:]
That owners acknowledge that they may be subject to certain noxious odors, noises, traffic and
business practices that members may consider inconsistent with a church.
That owners affirm that they understand that by accepting this conditional zoning they are waiving any
objection they may have under county ordinance to placement of or approval of any business, industry
or practice on surrounding or nearby property that is otherwise allowed by county ordinances.

(7)

Shooting range, indoor, must meet at a minimum, all the following requirements:
a.

Shall be required to meet all applicable standards established by The NRA Range Source Book
published by the NRA.

b.

Shall be required to meet all applicable standards established by Lead Management and OSHA
Compliance for Indoor Shooting Ranges published by the National Association of Shooting Ranges
(NASR) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

c.

Shall be required to have a NRA Range Technical Team Evaluation and provide a copy of the final
report from the range technical team advisor prior to the certificate of occupancy and business
license being issued.

d.

Liability insurance required. Each application for a license issued under this permit shall be
accompanied by evidence that the applicant has obtained a general liability insurance policy in an
amount not less than $1,000,000.00 per occurrence. Such insurance policy shall remain in force
and effect during the term of the license. Such insurance policy shall contain a clause requiring
the insurer to immediately notify the county if for any reason, coverage under the policy
terminates. The proof of insurance required by this section shall be furnished to the county upon

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each renewal of the license. Additionally, the licensee shall furnish to the county proof of
insurance when requested to do so.

(8)

e.

Certified instructors required. The owner or operator of an indoor shooting range shall have on
the premises at all times during range operation an individual certified as a firearm or range
instructor by the National Rifle Association or the Georgia Peace Officers Standards and Training
(P.O.S.T.) Council.

f.

Shall provide an operating telephone available to range participants and spectators for the
purpose of contacting emergency medical services.

g.

A first-aid kit containing the items recommended by a certified expert in emergency medical
treatment shall be readily available at each shooting sports facility for emergency treatment or
care of minor injuries.

h.

A management guidebook shall be maintained that includes procedures for operations,
maintenance, and lead management and recovery. The management guidebook shall be kept onsite and shall be accessible at all times to those using the shooting sports facility.

Shooting range, outdoor, must meet at a minimum, all the following requirements:
a.

Shall be required to meet all applicable standards established by The NRA Range Source Book
published by the NRA.

b.

Shall be required to meet all applicable standards established by Lead Management and OSHA
Compliance for Indoor Shooting Ranges published by the National Association of Shooting Ranges
(NASR) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the EPA's Best
Management Practices for Outdoor Shooting Ranges.

c.

Shall be required to have a NRA Range Technical Team Evaluation and provide a copy of the final
report from the range technical team advisor prior to the certificate of occupancy and business
license being issued.

d.

Liability insurance required. Each application for a license issued under this permit shall be
accompanied by evidence that the applicant has obtained a general liability insurance policy in an
amount not less than $1,000,000.00 per occurrence. Such insurance policy shall remain in force
and effect during the term of the license. Such insurance policy shall contain a clause requiring
the insurer to immediately notify the county if for any reason, coverage under the policy
terminates. The proof of insurance required by this section shall be furnished to the county upon
each renewal of the license. Additionally, the licensee shall furnish to the county proof of
insurance when requested to do so.

e.

Certified instructors required. The owner or operator of an indoor shooting range shall have on
the premises at all times during range operation an individual certified as a firearm or range
instructor by the National Rifle Association or the Georgia Peace Officers Standards and Training
(P.O.S.T.) Council.

f.

Shall provide an operating telephone available to range participants and spectators for the
purpose of contacting emergency medical services.

g.

A first-aid kit containing the items recommended by a certified expert in emergency medical
treatment shall be readily available at each shooting sports facility for emergency treatment or
care of minor injuries.

h.

A management guidebook shall be maintained that includes procedures for operations,
maintenance, and lead management and recovery. The management guidebook shall be kept onsite and shall be accessible at all times to those using the shooting sports facility.

i.

Prior to submitting for the conditional use permit, applicant shall have the NRA Range
Development Technical Team advise as to the standard of noise reduction possible and to what

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decibel level the proposed operation will create. Applicant shall provide NRA documentation of
the evaluation including any potential noise levels.
j.

Applicant shall not exceed noise level granted in the conditional use permit. If complaints are
received, the director shall use the best tools reasonably available to determine the merit of the
complaint. If determined by the director that a valid noise concern exists, approval from board of
commissioners to employ services of a noise consultant shall be requested. All related expenses
shall be incurred by the applicant. The community development department shall obtain an
estimate of the expenses and the applicant shall pay the estimate in advance. Should the actual
costs be less than the estimate, the applicant shall be returned the balance. In addition, applicant
will be given 30 days to modify shooting range to reduce noise to approved level or all outdoor
shooting range activities shall cease.

(9) Data center or data center campus, subject to the following requirements:
a.

Development standards.
(i)

Minimum lot area: Twenty-five acres.

(ii)

Maximum height: Sixty feet building height with up to an additional ten feet for parapet
and rooftop equipment, not to exceed 70 feet total, subject to applicable federal, state,
and local regulations.

(iii)

Minimum lot width: Two hundred fifty feet of frontage.

(iv)

Minimum front yard setback: One hundredSeventy-five feet.

(v)

Minimum side yard setback: One hundred feet.

(vi)

Minimum rear yard setback: One hundred feet.

(vii) Minimum distance between buildings: One hundred feet.
(viii) Maximum lot coverage: Eighty percent.
b.

c.

Infrastructure requirements.
(i)

Water: Public water.

(ii)

Wastewater: Sewer.

Community meetings. Prior to filing aFor properties requiring rezoning petition, the applicant
must schedule at least one (1) community meeting to describe the project, including site plans,
building elevations, and a viewshed analysis from public rights-of-way. The community meeting is
an informal meeting intended to allow the applicant to share the details of their petition with
citizens and garner feedback for consideration prior to filing. County officials and staff are not
required to attend or participate in the community meeting. The community meeting does not
replace the Public Hearing in compliance with the Zoning Procedures Law.The meeting must:
The meeting must:
(i)

Must be conducted prior toOccur after the rezoning petition beinghas been filed. and not
less than 30 days prior to the public hearing associated with the rezoning petition.

(ii)

Must be conducted within the geographic boundary of Coweta County, Georgia between
the hours of 65:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. EST.

(iii)

Notice of the community meetings must comply with the following:
i.

Prior to the community meeting, the applicant shall provide the community
development director with a description of the project and all supporting
documents.

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ii.

The content of the notice and signage defined in this paragraph shall include
the applicant's name and contact information, a brief description of the project
including the parcel number and road frontage, date, time, and location of the
community meeting, and must be approved by the community development
director or their designee.

iii.

Subject to the approval of the community development director or their
designee, the applicant shall mailii. Mail letters to owners of all real property
within 1,000-feet of the property lines at least 14 days prior to the community
meeting.

iviii. Advertise in a newspaper of general circulation serving the residents of Coweta
County. The advertisement shall appear at least one week prior to the
community meeting, be prominently displayed, be at least 30 square inches,
and not placed in the legal section of the newspaper.
viv. Post signage on the subject property along road frontage, at least 14 days prior
to the community meeting. The sign must be at least 20 square feet in size and
legible at least 25 feet from the sign. Signage shall remain until the conclusion
of the community meeting.
(iv)
d.

An applicant representative with decision-making authority on the design of the data
center must attend the community meeting in-person.

Building design. The proposed data center buildings must be designed to minimize adverse visual
impacts on surrounding development as demonstrated by the submission of elevations,
architectural sketches, or sight lines studies.
Exterior building materials shall include at least two of the following for any elevations viewable
from public roads and right-of-way:
• Brick, stone, or architectural precast concrete panels.
• Architectural metal panels with non-reflective finish.
• High-quality fiber cement panels.
If the building is visible from any public right-of-way, the building façade viewable from the rightof-way shall incorporate at least two of the following design features to break up the building
mass:
• Vertical or horizontal articulation of the façade at intervals not exceeding 50 feet.
• Variation in building height of at least ten percent across the façade, or stepped
rooflines.
• Use of architectural projections or recesses at least two feet in depth.
• Changes in façade materials or colors with a minimum of two types of materials.

e.

Buffers. Data center buildings that adjoin property zoned or used for residential purposes are
subject to the following requirements:
(i)

Minimum buffer: Three hundred feet from the property line

(ii)

Vegetation. Where a buffer is required, the entirety of the buffer shall meet Article 25
standards. The first 100 feet along the property line shall remain in an undisturbed, natural
state, except for approved fencing, access, and utility improvements unless doing so would
conflict; however, if the first 100 feet along the property line is sparsely vegetated it shall
be planted in accordance with Articlearticle 25 standards. The remaining 200 feet buffer

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may be disturbed and graded. If the buffer is disturbed, it shall be planted in accordance
with article 25.
f.

Fencing. Fencing of the property is required to enclose the data center facility. If the fencing is
located along the property line, it shall be decorative metal and a minimum of eight feet in
height. Anti-climb features including but not limited to barbed, concertina, razor, or similar uses
shall be prohibited. If the fencing is located within the buffer and not visible from adjacent
properties or roadways, it may be constructed of vinyl-coated chain-link and may include anticlimb features.

g.

Noise.
(i)

Noise survey. ThePrior to the issuance of a land disturbance permit, the applicant shall
engage with a noise and acoustical consultant to perform a pre-construction ambient noise
survey. Prior to conducting the survey, the scope of the noise survey will be determined in
coordination with the community development director and an independent acoustical
firm hired by the county. AtHowever, as a minimum, 90th-percentile sound levels (L90) and
equivalent sound levels (Leq) shall be logged with a Type 1 or Type 2 sound level meter, as
defined by ANSI standard S1.4, at least every hour in A-weighted decibels, dB(A), using slow
meter response at any noise-sensitive residential property boundary line(s). Measurements
should be taken over a minimum period of 72-hours. A report detailing the results of the
noise survey and predicted impact of the proposed development must be provided as part
ofto the application. At the applicant’s expense in addition to other application,community
development, and permit fees, a third-party director to be reviewed by an independent
analysis will be completed and included in the stafffirm hired by the county. The report
must be approved prior to the issuance of a land disturbance permit.

(ii)

Nighttime. Between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m., the data center shall not generate noise that
persists for more than 60-seconds that is in excess of 5dB(A) above the pre-construction
ambient noise level when measured at the property boundary line shared with a
residentially zoned property. Additionally, the data center shall not generate noise that
persists for more than 60-seconds that is in excess of 10dB(C) above the numerical limit
established for dB(A).

(iii)

Daytime. Between 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m., the data center shall not generate noise that
persists for more than 60-seconds that is in excess of 10dB(A) above the pre-construction
ambient noise level when measured at the property boundary line shared with a
residentially zoned property. Additionally, the data center shall not generate noise that
persists for more than 60-seconds that is in excess of 10dB(C) above the numerical limit
established for dB(A).

(iv)

Noise Monitoring. Prior to the issuance of each Certificate of Occupancy, an automatic
noise monitoring system shall be installed and operational along each residential property
boundary. At a minimum, the noise monitoring system shall:

i. Log noise levels on one minute intervals 24/7/365
ii. Store logs for a minimum of sixty (60) days
iii. Provide remote access for compliance monitoring by county staff
(v(iv) Testing of backup generators is limited to weekdays during the hours between 9:00 a.m.
and 5:00 p.m. and shall not occur on federal holidays.
(viv) Use of backup generators that exceed the maximum sound levels is permitted during
emergency power outages.
(viivi) Violations. If it is found that the noise regulation contained herein are being violated, the
appropriate county authority shall notify the property owner in writing indicating the
nature of the violation and ordering the action necessary to correct it. Such written notice

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shall not be a necessary condition precedent to enforcement of the section. If the violation
constitutes a continuing nuisance, the appropriate county authority shall take any other
action necessary to ensure compliance with or to prevent violation of this section, up to
and including legal remedies.
h.

Environmental impact analysis. The applicant shall provide an environmental impact assessment
as part of the rezoningzoning petition for the proposed project to determine and quantify the
potential impacts of the proposed project. The environmental impact assessment shall be based
upon research, site visits, and accepted environmental sampling and investigative practices for
water resources, air quality, ecology, archaeology, and cultural/historical resources.

i.

Third-party sediment and erosion inspections. At the applicant’s expense, the County shall
contract with a third-party Erosion, Sedimentation, and Pollution Control (ES&PC) firm to
perform inspections. At a minimum, inspections will be completed weekly and after any
qualifying rain event as described by the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System
(NPDES) permit. The third-party inspectors shall immediately notify the land disturbance
permittee and community development department of all deficiencies identified on the site.

ji.

Site lighting. All exterior site and building lighting shall utilize full cutoff, fully shielded (zero
uplight) fixtures designed to maintain the existing night sky darkness and to prevent light
trespass onto adjacent properties and streets. Light fixtures shall be located at least four times
the mounting height of the fixture away from adjacent property lines. The mounting height of all
site lighting shall not exceed 20 feet above finished grade.
At any property line abutting a residential use, the lighting shall not exceed 0.05 footcandles
measured at ground level.

kj.

Parking. The applicant shall set aside land area to accommodate one space per 2,000 square feet
of gross floor area (GFA). However, the actual number of parking spaces constructed shall be
determined based on the submittal of a parking analysis by the applicant to be reviewed and
approved by the public works administrator.

lk.

Construction traffic. Prior to the issuance of a land disturbance permit, the applicant shall provide
a construction traffic management plan (CTMP) for review, comment and approval by the
community development director in coordination with the public works administrator, Coweta
County Fire Chief, and Coweta County Sheriff. At the discretion of the public works administrator,
a surety bond may be required to cover costs related to potential damage to public roads and
right-of-way. Transportation improvements that are determined to be necessary to serve the
development must be designed in conjunction with the site development plans and must be
under construction prior to the issuance of any building permits for permanent structures on the
property.

ml.

Waste management plan. The applicant shall publish an annual report detailing waste
management activities and make it publicly available.

nm. Equipment, generator, and substation enclosures and screening. All mechanical equipment,
emergency generators, substations, and appurtenances shall be screened from view from any
public right-of-way or adjoining property zoned or used for residential purposes. The screening
shall be a minimum of eight feet high consisting of fence, wall, and/or a vegetative berm
providing a minimum opacity of 95 percent.
on.

Cooling and ventilation. The applicant shall specify the proposed cooling and ventilation
equipment as part of the zoning petition. Open-loop systems are prohibited for all liquid cooling
and ventilation equipment. Areas directly adjacent to the cooling and ventilation systems shall be
designed to capture any contaminated discharge and shall have a holding area adequately sized
to store a minimum of 100% of the volume of the system for treatment or recovery in the case of
a system failure. Any discharge including blowdown, flushing, or decommissioning wastewater

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shall be pre-treated and shall not enter any storm drain, surface water, or municipal sewer
system without compliance with applicable discharge standards.
p.

Downstream Water Quality Monitoring. For each basin where the data center discharges
stormwater, the applicant or facility operator must select a downstream location on the project
property for registration with the Georgia Adopt-A-Stream program. Monitoring at these
locations must begin before the land disturbance permit is issued and continue throughout the
project’s lifetime. Results should be submitted to the Georgia Adopt-A-Stream website, and
annual reports must be provided to the community development department. The number and
placement of sampling locations require approval from the Community Development Director or
their designee.

q. o. Utilities. As part of the applicable zoningrezoning petition, or at the time of the land disturbance
permit (if already zoned), the applicant shall provide a letter of intent to serve the proposed
project from the applicable utility provider(s), confirming that preliminary coordination has
occurred and that service to the proposed project is feasible subject to final engineering.
Onsite energy generation systems designed or used to supply power directly to a data center
shall be permitted, excluding nuclear energy generation systems. Onsite energy generation
systems shall meet the Noise regulations contained in this section.
rNotwithstanding utility grid failure, no primary onsite power generation shall be permitted.
p.

Air quality and emissions. Generators should be classified as stationary sources and shall meet
Tier 4 final standards. Dust control shall comply with regulations contained in chapter 30
Environment.

sq.

Substations. Substations are considered accessory uses to data centers and shall not be located
within 300 feet of an adjacent public road or residentially zoned property.

tr.

Emergency response. The data center operator shall coordinate with the Coweta County
911/EMA Director or designee to perform specialized training at least once annually to include
applicable public safety agencies. The data center operator shall reimburse the county for all
costs to perform specialized training and necessary equipment related to the data center facility.

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Item # 2

Administration
To:
From:
Date:
RE:

Coweta County Board of Commissioners
Autumn Payne, Deputy County Clerk
October 13, 2026
Presentation of Quality Development Corridor District (QDCD) materials

Issue:
Presentation of Quality Development Corridor District (QDCD) materials
Discussion:
Pursuant to the Board's direction at the Work Session held on April 14, 2026, staff has prepared
an amendment to Appendix A. Zoning and Development, Article 26. Overlay Districts, Section
261. Quality Development Corridor District of the Coweta County Code of Ordinances and
scheduled a Public Hearing on August 11, 2026.
The proposed amendment included:
• Updating, adding, and removing QDCD Districts
• Simplifying some language associated with landscape strips
• Clarifying storage of inventory for automobile dealerships
• Modernizing building cladding materials list
Following the Public Hearing on August 11, 2026, the Board closed the Public Hearing and
requested that staff work with the Board to further revise the amendments and present them
to the Board at a future Public Hearing.
Fiscal Impact:

Recommendation:

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Item # 3

Administration
To:
From:
Date:
RE:

Coweta County Board of Commissioners
Autumn Payne, Deputy County Clerk
October 13, 2026
Discussion Regarding the Coweta County Alcohol Ordinance - allow onsite
consumption at non-food retail businesses

Issue:
Discussion Regarding the Coweta County Alcohol Ordinance - allow onsite consumption at nonfood retail businesses
Discussion:
The Board desires to discuss the Alcohol Ordinance as it relates to licensing for onsite
consumption at non-food retail businesses in the unincorporated areas of the county.
Currently, Section 6-92 Sale of Food requires an establishment to have at least 55 percent of its
total sales comprised of the sale of food prepared on the premises in order to qualify for an
alcohol license for consumption on premise.
Section 6-92. - Sale of Food.
In order for an establishment to qualify for a pouring license for alcoholic beverages for
consumption on the premises; a restaurant, private club, golf club, a restaurant in a hotel, or a
special use granted pursuant to Section 69.9 of the Coweta County Zoning and Development
Ordinance must have at least 55 percent of its total sales comprised of the sale of food
prepared on the premises and nonalcoholic beverages consumed on the premises; and for this
purpose, if a restaurant makes a minimum charge, cover charge, or admission charge, or any
other non-food or non-alcoholic beverage charge, the amount so charged shall not be counted
in computing total sales and shall not be counted as a food or beverage sale. An establishment

Page 22 of 23

at a location zoned Limited Use Historic (LUH) under Article 15, Special Use Permit (SUP)
under Article 6, Section 69.9, and Neighborhood Agribusinesses (NA-CUP) under Article 7,
Section 75, item 10 of Appendix A. Zoning and Development must have at least 55 percent of its
total sales comprised of the sale of food, either provided by a food caterer or prepared on the
premises, and nonalcoholic beverages consumed on the premises.
Fiscal Impact:
N/A
Recommendation:

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