Former State Representative Farooq Mughal Supports Special Use Permit Requirement for Data Centers in Gwinnett County

DACULA, GA — Former State Representative Farooq Mughal supports requiring data centers in Gwinnett County to obtain a Special Use Permit before development.

Currently, data centers are classified as M-1 (Light Industrial) zoning, which allows automatic approval for data center use. Mughal said projects with significant energy, water, infrastructure, and community impacts deserve additional local review.

“Data centers are an important part of our technology economy, but communities deserve a voice in how and where these facilities are developed,” said Mughal. “Requiring a Special Use Permit does not mean stopping investment. It means making sure major projects receive the appropriate level of review.”

Mughal said Gwinnett can continue attracting technology investment while ensuring residents and local officials have an opportunity to evaluate the potential impacts of major data center projects.

“We can support economic growth while protecting our infrastructure, water resources, energy needs, and quality of life,” Mughal said.

About Farooq Mughal:

Farooq Mughal is a former member of the Georgia House of Representatives, where he represented District 105 from 2023 to 2025, covering parts of Buford, Lawrenceville, and Dacula in Gwinnett County.

For more information or to request interviews, please contact:

Name: Maariz Kashem

Title: Chief of Staff

Phone: 404-940-9810

Email: maariz.mughalforgeorgia@gmail.com