Coweta County Unincorporated
City Zoning Code

Required lot size, yard setbacks, height limitations and related requirements are set forth in article 23.

The following uses are allowed in any M district, subject to the further provisions of this ordinance:

(1)

Any permitted structure and use identified as such in article 18 under the LM light industrial district.

(2)

Brick, tile, and terracotta manufacture.

(3)

Cement, lime, gypsum or plaster of Paris manufacture.

(4)

Concrete, cement products or clay products manufacture.

(5)

Foundry or forging plants.

(6)

Grain elevators or commercial feed mills.

(7)

Poultry killing, plucking or processing.

(8)

Rock, sand or gravel distribution or storage.

(9)

Truck terminals.

(10)

Wood recycling centers, provided that the wood stockpiles do not exceed 20 feet in height, and that the owner(s) submits the following in addition to other development and licensing requirements:

(a)

A bond or letter of credit in a form acceptable to the county attorney, to assist with legal fees, to ensure the removal of any wood material stock that is abandoned on-site after the business ceases operation. The amount shall be calculated at a rate of $5,000.00 per acre of storage area as shown on the approved development site plan. If the storage area results in a fractional acreage, the bond or letter of credit amount shall be adjusted by percentage of the fractional area, and

(b)

A notarized letter indicating that the owner has read and understands his/her responsibilities to comply with the Georgia Solid Waste Management Chapter 391-3-4-.04 (60/90 Rule) which states that 60 percent of the weight or volume of material must be used, reused, sold or recycled during a 90-day period.

(11)

Customary accessory buildings and uses.

(12)

Data center or data center campus, subject to the following requirements:

a.

Development standards.

(i)

Minimum lot area: Twenty-five acres.

(ii)

Maximum height: Sixty feet building height with up to an additional ten feet for parapet and rooftop equipment, not to exceed 70 feet total, subject to applicable federal, state, and local regulations.

(iii)

Minimum lot width: Two hundred fifty feet of frontage.

(iv)

Minimum front yard setback: Seventy-five feet.

(v)

Minimum side yard setback: One hundred feet.

(vi)

Minimum rear yard setback: One hundred feet.

(vii)

Minimum distance between buildings: One hundred feet.

(viii)

Maximum lot coverage: Eighty percent.

b.

Infrastructure requirements.

(i)

Water: Public water.

(ii)

Wastewater: Sewer.

c.

Community meetings. For properties requiring rezoning, the applicant must schedule one community meeting to describe the project, including site plans, building elevations, and a viewshed analysis from public rights-of-way. The meeting must:

(i)

Occur after the rezoning petition has been filed and not less than 30 days prior to the public hearing associated with the rezoning petition.

(ii)

Must be conducted within the geographic boundary of Coweta County, Georgia between the hours of 5:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. EST.

(iii)

Notice of the community meetings must comply with the following:

i.

The content of the notice and signage defined in this paragraph shall include the applicant's name and contact information, a brief description of the project including the parcel number and road frontage, date, time, and location of the community meeting, and must be approved by the community development director or their designee.

ii.

Mail letters to owners of all real property within 1,000-feet of the property lines at least 14 days prior to the community meeting.

iii.

Advertise in a newspaper of general circulation serving the residents of Coweta County. The advertisement shall appear at least one week prior to the community meeting, be prominently displayed, be at least 30 square inches, and not placed in the legal section of the newspaper.

iv.

Post signage on the subject property along road frontage, at least 14 days prior to the community meeting. The sign must be at least 20 square feet in size and legible at least 25 feet from the sign. Signage shall remain until the conclusion of the community meeting.

(iv)

An applicant representative with decision-making authority on the design of the data center must attend the community meeting in-person.

d.

Building design. The proposed data center buildings must be designed to minimize adverse visual impacts on surrounding development as demonstrated by the submission of elevations, architectural sketches, or sight lines studies.

Exterior building materials shall include at least two of the following for any elevations viewable from public roads and right-of-way:

• Brick, stone, or architectural precast concrete panels.

• Architectural metal panels with non-reflective finish.

• High-quality fiber cement panels.

If the building is visible from any public right-of-way, the building façade viewable from the right-of-way shall incorporate at least two of the following design features to break up the building mass:

• Vertical or horizontal articulation of the façade at intervals not exceeding 50 feet.

• Variation in building height of at least ten percent across the façade, or stepped rooflines.

• Use of architectural projections or recesses at least two feet in depth.

• Changes in façade materials or colors with a minimum of two types of materials.

e.

Buffers. Data center buildings that adjoin property zoned or used for residential purposes are subject to the following requirements:

(i)

Minimum buffer: Three hundred feet from the property line

(ii)

Vegetation. Where a buffer is required, the first 100 feet along the property line shall remain in an undisturbed, natural state, except for approved fencing, access and utility improvements; however, if the first 100 feet along the property line is sparsely vegetated it shall be planted in accordance with article 25. The remaining 200 feet buffer may be disturbed and graded. If the buffer is disturbed, it shall be planted in accordance with article 25.

f.

Fencing. Fencing of the property is required to enclose the data center facility. If the fencing is located along the property line, it shall be decorative metal and a minimum of eight feet in height. Anti-climb features including but not limited to barbed, concertina, razor, or similar uses shall be prohibited. If the fencing is located within the buffer and not visible from adjacent properties or roadways, it may be constructed of vinyl-coated chain-link and may include anti-climb features.

g.

Noise.

(i)

Noise survey. Prior to the issuance of a land disturbance permit, the applicant shall engage with a noise and acoustical consultant to perform a pre-construction ambient noise survey. Prior to conducting the survey, the scope of the noise survey will be determined in coordination with the community development director and an independent acoustical firm hired by the county. However, as a minimum, 90th-percentile sound levels (L90) and equivalent sound levels (Leq) shall be logged with a Type 1 or Type 2 sound level meter, as defined by ANSI standard S1.4, at least every hour in A-weighted decibels, dB(A), using slow meter response at any noise-sensitive residential property boundary line(s). Measurements should be taken over a minimum period of 72-hours. A report detailing the results of the noise survey and predicted impact of the proposed development must be provided to the community development director to be reviewed by an independent firm hired by the county. The report must be approved prior to the issuance of a land disturbance permit.

(ii)

Nighttime. Between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m., the data center shall not generate noise that persists for more than 60-seconds that is in excess of 5dB(A) above the pre-construction ambient noise level when measured at the property boundary line shared with a residentially zoned property.

(iii)

Daytime. Between 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m., the data center shall not generate noise that persists for more than 60-seconds that is in excess of 10dB(A) above the pre-construction ambient noise level when measured at the property boundary line shared with a residentially zoned property.

(iv)

Testing of backup generators is limited to weekdays during the hours between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. and shall not occur on federal holidays.

(v)

Use of backup generators that exceed the maximum sound levels is permitted during emergency power outages.

(vi)

Violations. If it is found that the noise regulation contained herein are being violated, the appropriate county authority shall notify the property owner in writing indicating the nature of the violation and ordering the action necessary to correct it. Such written notice shall not be a necessary condition precedent to enforcement of the section. If the violation constitutes a continuing nuisance, the appropriate county authority shall take any other action necessary to ensure compliance with or to prevent violation of this section, up to and including legal remedies.

h.

Environmental impact analysis. The applicant shall provide an environmental impact assessment as part of the zoning petition for the proposed project to determine and quantify the potential impacts of the proposed project. The environmental impact assessment shall be based upon research, site visits, and accepted environmental sampling and investigative practices for water resources, air quality, ecology, archaeology, and cultural/historical resources.

i.

Site lighting. All exterior site and building lighting shall utilize full cutoff, fully shielded (zero uplight) fixtures designed to maintain the existing night sky darkness and to prevent light trespass onto adjacent properties and streets. Light fixtures shall be located at least four times the mounting height of the fixture away from adjacent property lines. The mounting height of all site lighting shall not exceed 20 feet above finished grade.

At any property line abutting a residential use, the lighting shall not exceed 0.05 footcandles measured at ground level.

j.

Parking. The applicant shall set aside land area to accommodate one space per 2,000 square feet of gross floor area (GFA). However, the actual number of parking spaces constructed shall be determined based on the submittal of a parking analysis by the applicant to be reviewed and approved by the public works administrator.

k.

Construction traffic. Prior to the issuance of a land disturbance permit, the applicant shall provide a construction traffic management plan (CTMP) for review, comment and approval by the community development director in coordination with the public works administrator, Coweta County Fire Chief, and Coweta County Sheriff. At the discretion of the public works administrator, a surety bond may be required to cover costs related to potential damage to public roads and right-of-way. Transportation improvements that are determined to be necessary to serve the development must be designed in conjunction with the site development plans and must be under construction prior to the issuance of any building permits for permanent structures on the property.

l.

Waste management plan. The applicant shall publish an annual report detailing waste management activities and make it publicly available.

m.

Equipment, generator, and substation enclosures and screening. All mechanical equipment, emergency generators, substations, and appurtenances shall be screened from view from any public right-of-way or adjoining property zoned or used for residential purposes. The screening shall be a minimum of eight feet high consisting of fence, wall, and/or a vegetative berm providing a minimum opacity of 95 percent.

n.

Cooling and ventilation. The applicant shall specify the proposed cooling and ventilation equipment as part of the zoning petition. Open-loop systems are prohibited for all liquid cooling and ventilation equipment.

o.

Utilities. As part of the rezoning petition or at the time of the land disturbance permit (if already zoned), the applicant shall provide a letter of intent to serve the proposed project from the applicable utility provider(s), confirming that preliminary coordination has occurred and that service to the proposed project is feasible subject to final engineering.

Notwithstanding utility grid failure, no primary onsite power generation shall be permitted.

p.

Air quality and emissions. Generators should be classified as stationary sources and shall meet Tier 4 final standards. Dust control shall comply with regulations contained in chapter 30 Environment.

q.

Substations. Substations are considered accessory uses to data centers and shall not be located within 300 feet of an adjacent public road or residentially zoned property.

r.

Emergency response. The data center operator shall coordinate with the Coweta County 911/EMA Director or designee to perform specialized training at least once annually to include applicable public safety agencies. The data center operator shall reimburse the county for all costs to perform specialized training and necessary equipment related to the data center facility.

(Ord. No. 038-25, 12-16-25)

The following conditional uses may be permitted, subject to approval of a conditional use permit by the board of commissioners, after receiving the recommendation of the board of zoning appeals as provided in article 28:

(1)

Central mixing plant for cement, mortar, plaster, and/or building materials.

[(2)

Reserved.]

(3)

Asphalt and concrete batching plants.

(4)

Bone rendering plants.

(5)

Salvage and junk yards, provided any such use is screened from public view by a solid wall, planted screen or similar opaque partition at least six feet in height, and provided such wall or opaque partition is set back at least 50 feet from all property lines.

(6)

Church or any other place of worship provided that approval of the conditional use is not detrimental to the health or general welfare of the neighboring property owners[, and provided:]

That owners acknowledge that they may be subject to certain noxious odors, noises, traffic and business practices that members may consider inconsistent with a church.

That owners affirm that they understand that by accepting this conditional zoning they are waiving any objection they may have under county ordinance to placement of or approval of any business, industry or practice on surrounding or nearby property that is otherwise allowed by county ordinances.

(7)

Shooting range, indoor, must meet at a minimum, all the following requirements:

a.

Shall be required to meet all applicable standards established by The NRA Range Source Book published by the NRA.

b.

Shall be required to meet all applicable standards established by Lead Management and OSHA Compliance for Indoor Shooting Ranges published by the National Association of Shooting Ranges (NASR) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

c.

Shall be required to have a NRA Range Technical Team Evaluation and provide a copy of the final report from the range technical team advisor prior to the certificate of occupancy and business license being issued.

d.

Liability insurance required. Each application for a license issued under this permit shall be accompanied by evidence that the applicant has obtained a general liability insurance policy in an amount not less than $1,000,000.00 per occurrence. Such insurance policy shall remain in force and effect during the term of the license. Such insurance policy shall contain a clause requiring the insurer to immediately notify the county if for any reason, coverage under the policy terminates. The proof of insurance required by this section shall be furnished to the county upon each renewal of the license. Additionally, the licensee shall furnish to the county proof of insurance when requested to do so.

e.

Certified instructors required. The owner or operator of an indoor shooting range shall have on the premises at all times during range operation an individual certified as a firearm or range instructor by the National Rifle Association or the Georgia Peace Officers Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) Council.

f.

Shall provide an operating telephone available to range participants and spectators for the purpose of contacting emergency medical services.

g.

A first-aid kit containing the items recommended by a certified expert in emergency medical treatment shall be readily available at each shooting sports facility for emergency treatment or care of minor injuries.

h.

A management guidebook shall be maintained that includes procedures for operations, maintenance, and lead management and recovery. The management guidebook shall be kept on-site and shall be accessible at all times to those using the shooting sports facility.

(8)

Shooting range, outdoor, must meet at a minimum, all the following requirements:

a.

Shall be required to meet all applicable standards established by The NRA Range Source Book published by the NRA.

b.

Shall be required to meet all applicable standards established by Lead Management and OSHA Compliance for Indoor Shooting Ranges published by the National Association of Shooting Ranges (NASR) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the EPA's Best Management Practices for Outdoor Shooting Ranges.

c.

Shall be required to have a NRA Range Technical Team Evaluation and provide a copy of the final report from the range technical team advisor prior to the certificate of occupancy and business license being issued.

d.

Liability insurance required. Each application for a license issued under this permit shall be accompanied by evidence that the applicant has obtained a general liability insurance policy in an amount not less than $1,000,000.00 per occurrence. Such insurance policy shall remain in force and effect during the term of the license. Such insurance policy shall contain a clause requiring the insurer to immediately notify the county if for any reason, coverage under the policy terminates. The proof of insurance required by this section shall be furnished to the county upon each renewal of the license. Additionally, the licensee shall furnish to the county proof of insurance when requested to do so.

e.

Certified instructors required. The owner or operator of an indoor shooting range shall have on the premises at all times during range operation an individual certified as a firearm or range instructor by the National Rifle Association or the Georgia Peace Officers Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) Council.

f.

Shall provide an operating telephone available to range participants and spectators for the purpose of contacting emergency medical services.

g.

A first-aid kit containing the items recommended by a certified expert in emergency medical treatment shall be readily available at each shooting sports facility for emergency treatment or care of minor injuries.

h.

A management guidebook shall be maintained that includes procedures for operations, maintenance, and lead management and recovery. The management guidebook shall be kept on-site and shall be accessible at all times to those using the shooting sports facility.

i.

Prior to submitting for the conditional use permit, applicant shall have the NRA Range Development Technical Team advise as to the standard of noise reduction possible and to what decibel level the proposed operation will create. Applicant shall provide NRA documentation of the evaluation including any potential noise levels.

j.

Applicant shall not exceed noise level granted in the conditional use permit. If complaints are received, the director shall use the best tools reasonably available to determine the merit of the complaint. If determined by the director that a valid noise concern exists, approval from board of commissioners to employ services of a noise consultant shall be requested. All related expenses shall be incurred by the applicant. The community development department shall obtain an estimate of the expenses and the applicant shall pay the estimate in advance. Should the actual costs be less than the estimate, the applicant shall be returned the balance. In addition, applicant will be given 30 days to modify shooting range to reduce noise to approved level or all outdoor shooting range activities shall cease.

(Ord. No. 046-09, 12-15-09; Ord. No. 042-19, 10-1-19)

Required parking, loading and other supplemental regulations applicable to this district are set forth in article 24.