New Orleans planning staff is recommending a citywide ban on large and hyperscale data centers while allowing smaller facilities under new zoning restrictions. The proposed regulations grew largely out of controversy over a potential data center in New Orleans East.
Proposed Zoning Restrictions
A preliminary City Planning Commission report proposes creating separate classifications for accessory, small, medium and large data centers. Facilities larger than 100,000 square feet and consuming more than 20 megawatts of electricity would be prohibited throughout the city.
Small data centers would be capped at 20,000 square feet and 5 megawatts, while medium facilities could reach 100,000 square feet and 20 megawatts. Those facilities could be conditionally allowed in certain commercial, industrial and downtown districts, but would face additional requirements.
Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.
