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Data Center Information

Microsoft Data Center Project Information 

The Town of Tyrone recognizes that residents have questions regarding the Microsoft data center project that was approved by the Town Council in March 2024. This webpage has been created to serve as a central source of information about the project, the approval process, and future review requirements. 

The project was reviewed through Georgia's Development of Regional Impact (DRI) process and subsequently underwent advertised public hearings before both the Planning Commission and Town Council prior to approval. The zoning approval remains in place; however, the developer has not submitted a site plan for review and has not applied for land disturbance permits, building permits, or other development permits required before construction can begin. 

Since the project's approval in 2024, data centers have become the subject of increased public discussion across the country. As a result, residents have raised questions regarding topics such as water usage, power consumption, noise, environmental impacts, tax revenue, and the Town's authority over the project. This page is intended to provide factual information, answer frequently asked questions, and explain the regulatory processes that govern future development activity. 

The Town remains committed to transparency and public engagement. As additional information becomes available and future applications are submitted, this page will be updated to provide residents with timely and accurate information. 

Current Status: As of May 2026, no site plan, land disturbance permit, or building permit applications have been submitted to the Town for this project.

General Information FAQs:

The rezoning request associated with the Microsoft data center project was approved by the Town Council in March 2024 following multiple public hearings and review by both the Planning Commission and Town Council. The public meeting timeline was as follows:

No. While the zoning approval remains in place, the developer has not submitted a site plan for review, nor have they applied for land disturbance permits or building permits as of 06/02/2026. Construction cannot begin until all required approvals and permits are obtained.

Once a zoning approval has been granted, legal rights are vested, local governments cannot revoke approvals. Any action taken by the Town must comply with state law and constitutional protections related to private property rights.

Georgia law does not allow zoning decisions to be decided by referendum (public vote). Zoning decisions must be made by the governing body (the Town Council) through a public hearing process and based on applicable laws, ordinances, planning documents, and evidence presented during the review process.

No. Microsoft did not request abatements or other incentives for this project. The Town did not offer a tax abatement to Microsoft. 

Process & Oversight FAQs:

The project must still undergo site plan review and architectural review by the Planning Commission and staff and obtain all required permits, which may include land disturbance permits, building permits, utility approvals, stormwater approvals, and other applicable permits from local, state, and federal agencies.

Site plan and architectural approval will take place during a public meeting of the Planning Commission at the appropriate time. This project does not require additional reviews or approval by the Town Council unless Microsoft wishes to make substantive changes to its original development plan. Any future meetings regarding this project will be advertised and publicly accessible. 

Yes. Prior to local approval, the project was submitted through Georgia's Development of Regional Impact (DRI) review process as required by law. The DRI process evaluates large developments for potential regional impacts, including transportation, infrastructure, water demand, and other factors. The DRI review provides information to local governments but does not replace local zoning and permitting decisions.

The full DRI report is available for public review on the Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC) website. 

Water & Power FAQs:

Microsoft estimates that their facility will consume approximately 4,000 gallons of water per day once the facility is operational. It should be noted that the consumption rate will be higher during construction to mix concrete and maintain dust control amongst other items. 

The Town of Tyrone does not own or operate the water system serving the community. Water service is provided by the Fayette County Water System, which is responsible for managing water resources, infrastructure, capacity planning, and customer service. As a result, decisions regarding water availability, service capacity, consumption, and any applicable restrictions are made by the water provider in accordance with its policies, regulations, and long-term planning efforts.

While the Town reviews development projects for compliance with local zoning and development regulations, the Town does not regulate how much water an individual customer or business may consume once service is approved by the water provider.

The Town of Tyrone does not generate, transmit, or regulate electrical power. Electrical service within the project area is provided by the applicable utility provider, which is responsible for planning, constructing, and maintaining the infrastructure necessary to serve its customers.

As a result, decisions regarding electrical capacity, power delivery, infrastructure upgrades, and customer consumption are made by the utility provider and, where applicable, are subject to oversight by state and federal regulatory agencies. While the Town reviews development projects for compliance with local zoning and development regulations, the Town does not regulate how much electricity an individual customer or business may consume once service is approved by the utility provider.

Questions regarding electrical demand, system capacity, reliability, or future infrastructure improvements should be directed to the utility provider serving the project.

The Town of Tyrone does not set electric rates and does not determine how utility costs are allocated among customers. Electric rates, infrastructure planning, and cost-recovery rules are handled by the utility provider and, where applicable, the Georgia Public Service Commission.

Microsoft has publicly committed that its data centers will “pay their own way” and that the electricity cost of serving its data centers should not be passed on to residential customers. Microsoft has also stated that when its data center expansion requires transmission or substation improvements, it will continue its practice of paying for those improvements. 

In addition, the Georgia Public Service Commission has adopted rules and agreements intended to protect existing customers from cost shifting related to new large-load customers such as data centers. In January 2025, the PSC approved a rule allowing Georgia Power to use special terms for new customers using more than 100 megawatts, including longer contract terms, minimum billing requirements, and recovery of generation, transmission, and distribution costs associated with serving those customers. 

The PSC has also stated that recent power infrastructure agreements are intended to ensure that data centers, or Georgia Power if necessary, pay for new infrastructure so existing customers do not.

Environmental FAQs:

Yes. Data centers are subject to a variety of local, state, and federal regulations related to stormwater management, erosion and sediment control, land disturbance, water service, wastewater service, air quality, and other environmental considerations. Specific requirements vary depending on the final design and applicable regulations.

Any future development must comply with applicable environmental regulations related to stormwater management, erosion control, and protected environmental resources. Site plans and engineering documents must identify and address environmental features located on or near the property. Additional permits may also be required from state or federal agencies depending on site conditions.

Development projects must comply with stormwater management requirements designed to control runoff, reduce erosion, and limit downstream impacts. Stormwater systems are reviewed by engineers during the development process and are subject to applicable local and state regulations.

Water availability and capacity are evaluated by the utility provider responsible for supplying water to the project. Any proposed water demands must be reviewed to ensure adequate system capacity exists. Questions regarding water supply planning and long-term capacity should be directed to the Fayette County Water System.

Data centers generally operate using electricity rather than manufacturing processes and typically have limited routine air emissions. However, many facilities utilize backup generators for emergency situations. Any applicable air quality permits and regulatory requirements regarding the testing of these generators are administered by the appropriate state and federal agencies. The Town will require copies of said approvals and documentation from the state. 

Backup generators are intended for emergency power situations and periodic testing. Operational requirements, testing schedules, and applicable environmental regulations vary by facility and are subject to applicable permitting requirements.

The Town has authority to enforce applicable local ordinances and permit conditions and to coordinate with state and federal agencies to ensure that all environmental regulations are enforced throughout construction.

The Town's authority is limited by state and federal law. Any review requirements imposed by the Town must be authorized by applicable laws, ordinances, and development regulations. Local governments generally cannot impose arbitrary requirements that are not supported by law. This said, if Microsoft alters their plan or identifies something new as they go through the construction process, certain extra environmental procedures may e triggered. 

No. Local land use decisions must be based on applicable laws, adopted regulations, and legal evidence related to the specific project under consideration. Generalized concerns, speculation, or reports involving unrelated projects in other communities are not, by themselves, a sufficient legal basis for denying a development application.

Additional Resources:

If you have additional questions about this issue, please reach out to staff at info@tyronega.gov.