AGENDA: Council speeds up data center moratorium, meets tonight
Clarendon County Council is accelerating the process for a proposed six-month moratorium on most new data center and battery energy storage system applications. The council plans to hold a special called meeting to consider a second reading of the measure, which aims to temporarily pause development approvals while new regulations are developed. A public hearing is planned before the final vote in September.
The Clarendon County Council is expediting its consideration of a proposed six-month moratorium on new data center and battery energy storage system applications. Council will hold a special meeting on Monday, August 24, to conduct a second reading of the measure, following a unanimous recommendation from the Clarendon County Planning Commission and a first reading on August 10.
County Administrator Walt Ackerman stated that accelerating the process would allow for a third and final reading on September 14, rather than waiting until the October meeting. A public hearing is scheduled for the September 14 regular council meeting before the final vote. The moratorium, which would temporarily halt land-use and development approvals for these facilities, would not apply to properties zoned Industrial I or Industrial II and would only take effect upon approval of the third and final reading.