Home / Business and Economy / Lakeland Data Center Plan Faces Zoning and Utility Hurdles
Lakeland Data Center Plan Faces Zoning and Utility Hurdles
3 Jun
Summary
- City staff report highlights zoning, power, and water as major concerns.
- Proposed data center site is in a high-risk flood zone with limited wastewater capacity.
- Lakeland's zoning code does not currently permit data centers as a use.
City staff in Lakeland have identified substantial obstacles for a proposed hyperscale data center, currently under review. A detailed report flags zoning issues, as Lakeland's Land Development Code lacks provisions for data centers, deeming them a potentially prohibited use. The proposed 600,000-square-foot facility also presents significant power and water demands, with residents expressing concerns about the associated infrastructure costs.
The site, located off Old Tampa Highway and Wilkinson Road, is situated in a FEMA Zone A floodplain, indicating a high risk of annual flooding. Furthermore, western Lakeland has limited wastewater capacity, requiring developers to address these issues. Any approval would necessitate comprehensive studies on environmental impacts, including noise pollution, water quality, and air quality, before the project could potentially move forward.
