The Walker County Data Center Study Committee continued its examination of potential regulations Thursday, focusing on zoning classifications and whether future data center development should be limited to designated industrial areas.
During the committee’s third meeting, members discussed Walker County’s existing zoning districts and the possibility of establishing an industrial park or creating additional industrial zoning classifications to accommodate future development.
Walker County currently has 10 zoning districts: Agricultural, three residential classifications, Residential/Agricultural, General Commercial, Neighborhood Commercial, Industrial, Planned Unit Development and the Chickamauga Battlefield Corridor Overlay District.
During the committee’s previous meeting, members learned that the Walker County Board of Commissioners would have to formally establish a heavy industrial zoning classification if the county decides such a designation is necessary.
Walker County Planning and Zoning Director Jon Pursley told committee members Thursday that requiring data centers to locate within an industrial park could be one option. Such a requirement could also provide county officials with additional oversight when developers seek to build facilities elsewhere.
“In my opinion, I think you say, ‘Hey, a data center has to go into an industrial park.’ If you want to place one, no matter what, on any other parcel, you have to apply for a conditional use variance,” Pursley said.
Committee members also continued discussions surrounding the potential size of future data center developments and how county regulations could distinguish between smaller “micro” data centers and much larger facilities. Those discussions are expected to continue during future meetings.
Thursday’s meeting also included an exchange concerning the residency and potential interests of committee appointee Barney Danks.
One committee member asked Danks whether he lives in Walker County and whether he has a personal interest in data centers.
“I do not live in Walker County, but I own property in Rossville and in Walker [County],” Danks responded. “In terms of data centers, the answer is yes, but I didn’t know I had a data center until I saw the definition.”
Committee Chair Stephanie Watkins noted that each member of the study committee was appointed by the Walker County Board of Commissioners.
The committee is scheduled to meet again in two weeks at the Walker County Civic Center in Rock Spring as it continues developing proposed guidelines for data center development.
The committee has until Dec. 4, 2026, to develop its recommendations. Those guidelines are expected to be forwarded to the Walker County Planning and Zoning Commission for review and recommendations before ultimately going to the Walker County Board of Commissioners for consideration.
A final vote by commissioners is expected in early 2027.