South Bristol’s proposed ban on data centers has cleared a required environmental review, advancing a zoning change aimed at keeping large computing operations and their supporting infrastructure out of the Ontario County town.
The town determined that the proposed amendment to Chapter 170 of its zoning code would not have a significant adverse environmental impact, according to an Oct. 28 state Department of Environmental Conservation notice. The notice describes a prohibition covering data centers, artificial intelligence computing facilities, cryptocurrency mining facilities and associated uses.
The finding follows an Oct. 12 public hearing at which approximately a dozen speakers supported the ban. The hearing filled Town Hall, according to the town, which said dozens of residents had expressed support across three meetings.
Town Supervisor Lisa Moore said in an Oct. 13 announcement that she anticipated adoption before the end of the year.
A broad prohibition
The draft law would prohibit land from being used for data centers or AI computing facilities anywhere in town. Its definitions reach beyond the largest industrial campuses to include enterprise, shared colocation, edge and residence-based operations.
AI facilities are defined by their primary use for high-performance computing, machine learning, AI training or inference, or similar activities requiring substantial computing infrastructure.
Supporting infrastructure would also be prohibited when serving the banned operations. The draft lists server buildings, backup generation, battery storage serving those facilities, cooling and water systems, substations and transformers.
The data center definition includes an exception for facilities primarily serving a licensed health care provider’s internal operations, provided they do not offer commercial processing or colocation to unaffiliated entities. The draft separately prohibits AI computing facilities.
The proposal would establish a prohibition in the zoning code rather than a temporary moratorium. It says the law would take effect upon filing with the secretary of state.
Watershed concerns drive proposal
Moore and the town’s Community Engagement Committee examined the issue as proposed developments around Seneca and Cayuga lakes drew concern, according to the town’s announcement.
The committee invited Dryden Deputy Supervisor Dan Lamb to discuss his community’s experience. Speakers urged South Bristol to address its land-use rules proactively, before developers sought a particular site.
“South Bristol encompasses more than 20% of Canandaigua Lake’s shoreline and plays a critical role in the lake’s watershed,” Moore said.
The town has framed the proposal around protecting natural resources and rural character. FingerLakes1.com previously reported that officials cited the electricity and water demands of large computing facilities as reasons for considering the restrictions.
Environmental finding precedes enactment
South Bristol served as lead agency for the review under the State Environmental Quality Review Act. A negative declaration means an environmental impact statement is not required for the proposed action.
In this case, the action under review is the zoning amendment. The finding concerns the environmental effects of adopting that amendment; it does not approve a computing facility.
The town said it had solicited input from town and county planning boards as part of the process. Adoption by the Town Board and filing with the state would put the proposed restrictions into effect.
Questions about the proposal may be directed to Moore at 585-374-6341 or lisa.moore@southbristolny.gov.
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