Colleton County Council discusses data center zone changes
Colleton County Council is considering a proposed ordinance for a "Digital Infrastructure Overlay Zone" to guide data center development, following a recently enacted temporary moratorium. Community members are expressing opposition, fearing the ordinance could facilitate data center construction in sensitive areas like the Ace Basin, impacting wildlife and visitors.
The Colleton County Council is actively discussing a proposed ordinance that aims to establish a "Digital Infrastructure Overlay Zone" within certain parts of the county. This new zoning classification is intended to guide the development of industrial buildings, specifically data centers. The council has already passed the first reading of this ordinance this week.
This development follows the county's recent enactment of a temporary moratorium on data centers. However, some residents are concerned that the proposed ordinance could inadvertently make it easier for data centers to be built in qualifying areas, potentially encroaching upon the Ace Basin. Community members have voiced strong opposition, stating their desire to prevent data centers from being constructed in their neighborhoods or the environmentally sensitive Ace Basin, an area known for attracting numerous visitors and abundant wildlife.