TEMPLE HILL, Ky. — The first of four public meetings on possible zoning regulations in unincorporated Barren County drew about 45 people Tuesday, as residents weighed whether the county should create rules governing future development.

The renewed discussion comes as Cave City fac es two lawsuits related to a proposed data center development, with county leaders saying a land-use ordinance would be the only tool available to regulate future projects in unincorporated areas.

Unlike Glasgow, Cave City and Park City, unincorporated Barren County does not have countywide land-use regulations. The three cities adopted zoning ordinances at different times, with Glasgow becoming the first in December 1949.

Zoning regulations establish rules for how property can be developed and what types of uses are allowed in different areas.

Leaders said a land-use ordinance would not allow them to reject development outright but could establish rules governing where certain types of development can occur and what standards projects must meet.

“It does give you a voice in and about your community, what you’re able to legally talk to, and give findings of fact to the planning commission,” said Kevin Myatt, director of the Joint City-County Planning and Zoning Commission.

The debate over land-use regulations in the county dates back decades, with news reports showing discussions as early as 1968. Barren County, however, has never adopted countywide regulations.

A similar public meeting was held in 2024 as a large-scale solar project was proposed in western Barren County. No one who spoke at that meeting supported adopting a land-use ordinance, and magistrates ultimately did not move forward with one.

The issue has since returned to the forefront as county officials revisit whether land-use regulations are needed.

Former District 2 Magistrate Trent Riddle spoke Tuesday in favor of adopting land-use regulations, noting he previously attempted to pass an ordinance while serving on the Fiscal Court.

“The magistrates that sat on the bench with me would not give me a second,” Riddle said.

Although the meeting focused on land-use regulations broadly, much of Tuesday’s discussion centered on data centers, with several residents using their two minutes of speaking time to oppose future projects.

Barren County Attorney Mike Richardson again advised residents that a moratorium on data centers would likely expose the county to litigation, a risk he said county leaders should avoid.

Richardson said some nearby counties without countywide land-use regulations have adopted temporary moratoriums, but he views those measures as short-term responses rather than permanent solutions.

“You have to have the legislative backing,” he said.

Barren County Judge/Executive Jamie Byrd reminded attendees that the discussion was focused on land-use regulations broadly and not solely on data centers.

“You can’t just zone for one thing,” Byrd said. “It’s easy to throw stones, but we’re just trying to fix what should have been done a long time ago.”

Byrd said the county is attempting to address the issue carefully while following the proper process.

“We’re trying to do the right thing, the legal way, and this is the start of what we’re trying to do,” Byrd said.

Although the meeting was held in Temple Hill, residents attended from across Barren County. Speakers were asked to identify the area where they lived before offering comments.

Cave City resident Sheila Hatcher presented what she said was a petition containing 871 signatures opposing data centers in Barren County.

Her remarks focused primarily on stopping future data center development rather than the broader question of adopting a land-use ordinance.

“We as citizens of Cave City pray and think you will do what is in your power to stop these coming,” she said, fighting back tears. “Hear the voices of 871 people and move on this coming atrocity to our town.”

Other residents asked questions about what the absence of zoning regulations could allow. One participant asked whether a property owner could build a slaughterhouse on their land without restrictions.

“Go for it,” Myatt said.

The exchange highlighted one of the central questions surrounding the zoning debate: what types of development could occur in areas where the county currently has no land-use restrictions.

Several residents who supported land-use regulations said their support depended on the ordinance including reasonable limits and protections for property owners.

“I’m an ex-dairy farmer, and I’ve worked all of my life to pay for my farms. I’m not against zoning. I’m for it if you don’t take it too far. Use common sense and do it right,” one woman said.

Magistrate Marty Kinslow, who represents District 5 in western Barren County, said the discussion shows how the proposed data center has changed the conversation surrounding land-use regulations.

“I am very much in favor of one now, but I will say this: If you had asked most of the members of the court two years ago, I don’t believe, as a group, we would have been in favor of it,” Kinslow said. “The threat of a data center is what has made me change.”

Following the public meetings, magistrates will decide whether to move forward with drafting or adopting a land-use ordinance. No timeline for a vote has been announced.

The next meeting is scheduled for July 21 at 5 p.m. at Austin Tracy Elementary School. Two additional meetings planned for Hiseville and Park City have not yet been scheduled.

Public comments may also be submitted to the Barren County judge/executive’s office, located at 117 North Public Square, Suite 3A, Glasgow.