This ordinance amends the 1982 Atlanta Zoning Ordinance by introducing a definition for 'data center' and prohibiting data centers within half a mile (2,640 feet) of high-capacity transit stops. With Atlanta's rapid data center expansion, this measure aims to prioritize urban development that aligns with public transit goals, pedestrian safety, and environmental health. Data centers, which consume large amounts of energy and provide limited local employment, are seen as incompatible with the city’s transit-oriented development and the broader vision of sustainable growth.
This ordinance is crucial for ensuring that areas near high-capacity transit stops contribute to pedestrian-friendly, multi-modal urban environments. It helps to protect public health and advance Atlanta's transit and environmental goals by limiting the energy-intensive infrastructure of data centers in densely populated, transit-oriented areas.