Newport approves moratorium on data center development
The Newport Town Council has approved a one-year moratorium on data center development. This period will allow town officials to study how to address data centers and related uses in a comprehensive rewrite of its Unified Development Ordinance. The current ordinance does not establish specific standards for data center development.
The Newport Town Council in North Carolina has unanimously approved a moratorium on data center development, which will be in effect for at least one year. This decision was made to allow town officials to thoroughly evaluate and integrate specific regulations for data centers and related operations, such as data processing facilities and cryptocurrency mining, into the town's Unified Development Ordinance (UDO).
According to officials, the existing UDO does not adequately address or establish standards for the development of such facilities. The moratorium provides a crucial window for leaders to conduct a comprehensive rewrite of the ordinance, considering factors like permissible locations, development standards, and other regulations to mitigate potential impacts.
While the moratorium temporarily halts new data center projects, the town clarified that it does not signify a permanent prohibition on data centers within Newport.