Raleigh City Council approves six-month moratorium on large data centers
The Raleigh City Council approved a six-month moratorium on approvals for data centers larger than 10,000 square feet or requiring more than 5 megawatts of power. Residents and environmental advocates wanted a 32-month moratorium, citing potential impacts on water, electricity, infrastructure, pollution and nearby communities.
The Raleigh City Council voted 7-1 to impose a six-month moratorium on city approvals for large data centers, including water and sewer connections. The moratorium covers facilities exceeding 10,000 square feet or requiring more than 5 megawatts of peak electricity demand. Council member Christina Jones was the lone dissenting vote.
The measure followed public opposition to a proposed approximately 100,000-square-foot data center on Jones Sausage Road, a project whose developer withdrew its annexation application after residents objected. Rally participants, including activist Zainab Baloch, former council member Mary Black and North Carolina Environmental Justice Network co-director Rania Masri, argued that six months would not provide enough time to study impacts or develop strong safeguards and called for a 32-month moratorium.
City officials said the pause will allow staff to study data centers' effects on utilities, infrastructure, the environment and quality of life. The city expects to release draft regulations for public feedback by Nov. 16, with planning commission review in December and January, a public hearing in March, and a projected council vote on permanent rules in April 2027.