Guilford County commissioners discuss data centers

Guilford County commissioners convened a work session to address the burgeoning topic of data center development within the county. County staff presented an extensive overview, covering aspects such as land use, infrastructure, utilities, economic impact, and potential policy frameworks. The primary objective was to inform commissioners and solicit their input on the county's strategic response to future data center growth.

A significant recommendation emerging from the session was the alteration of the county's development rules to specifically regulate data centers. Chairman Skip Alston announced his intention to propose a motion initiating a 180-day moratorium on new data center developments. This pause would allow the county ample time to conduct further research and formulate comprehensive policies governing these facilities.

Currently, Guilford County's Unified Development Ordinance lacks a specific definition for data centers, leading them to be categorized as light or heavy industrial uses, essentially treated as warehouses. The staff's presentation outlined both the potential economic advantages data centers could bring to the county and a range of challenges. These challenges include substantial demands on electricity and water, noise pollution, air quality concerns, and the compatibility of such developments with nearby residential areas.

Moving forward, staff suggested a text amendment to the county's ordinance. This amendment would aim to clearly define data center rules and establish specific standards and regulations for their operation. Chairman Alston emphasized the proactive nature of these discussions, asserting the county's desire to prepare for, rather than react to, the eventual arrival of data center projects.