Moratorium rejected, partial approval of zoning by commissioners
Stokes County Commissioners rejected a planning board's recommendation for a data center moratorium. They also partially approved zoning ordinances related to data centers following public comments and discussions on potential legal ramifications.
Stokes County Commissioners voted Monday night to reject a planning board's recommendation for a moratorium on data center development. The decision followed a session where commissioners heard public comments regarding a proposed data center and related zoning amendments.
Separately, the commissioners addressed proposed changes to zoning regulations concerning data centers. Commissioner Rick Morris moved to approve a portion of these ordinances, with Commissioner Keith Wood seconding the motion. The partial approval, which excluded a specific part identified as 'A', passed with votes from Wood, Morris, and Sonya Cox. Commissioners Brad Chandler and Wayne Barneycastle voted against the approval.
County staff had previously cautioned the commissioners about potential legal ramifications if certain aspects of the zoning were not properly addressed, and the county attorney advised against an outright ban on data centers to avoid repercussions. This is an ongoing story, with further updates expected.