Charlotte City Council considering data center moratorium | WSOC-TV

The Charlotte City Council is actively considering a moratorium on new data center construction, a move that follows similar restrictions enacted in other North Carolina communities like Rowan County, Boone, and Durham. Mayor V. Lyles has requested additional time for research into the impact of data centers before a public discussion. Government reporter Joe Bruno highlighted that Durham City Council recently approved a 60-day pause, and a similar ordinance is being explored for Charlotte. Council member Dimple is advocating for a moratorium, expressing concerns about data centers being proposed increasingly close to residential areas. A memo from the Charlotte City Attorney's office outlines the necessary procedures for enacting a moratorium, including releasing a statement of problems, detailing considered courses of action, and listing developments subject to the pause. The proposed moratorium would not affect projects that already possess permits, such as the Powerhouse Charlotte project off University City Drive, which was approved in 2023 and plans up to five data center buildings, with the first due in April. Council member Dante Anderson emphasized the importance of a thorough, unhurried conversation with city staff on Monday to understand the implications of a moratorium, particularly for sites where data centers can be built without direct council approval. She noted that most of the council desires some level of data center restrictions but needs to be well-informed before making a decision. A public hearing will be required before any action is taken by the Charlotte City Council, and a date for this hearing has not yet been scheduled.