Fayetteville City Council votes to draft data center moratorium ordinance
The Fayetteville City Council voted to schedule a public hearing on a proposed data center moratorium and directed staff to draft the ordinance. The council also ordered updates to proposed data center regulations, while residents pressed for stronger protections related to water use, noise and proximity to homes.
The Fayetteville City Council voted 6-4 to advance a possible moratorium on data center development, directing city staff and legal counsel to prepare a draft ordinance and scheduling a public hearing. The hearing date has not been announced. Council members also ordered revisions to proposed amendments to the city’s Unified Development Ordinance, including potential noise limits, setbacks and buffers.
Residents who attended the special meeting called for greater transparency and stronger safeguards, citing concerns about water consumption, noise and facilities being built near residential neighborhoods. Supporters of regulation said data centers could attract technology industries and well-paying jobs, while some council members warned that the city could move too quickly or create loopholes. Attorney Nick Tosco of Poyner Spruill provided a legal review of the proposed rules.