Greenwood County’s data center amendment at a glance
Greenwood County Council is considering Ordinance 2026-19, a zoning text amendment that would allow data centers as a conditional use in three industrial and rural development districts. The amendment, which passed second reading, seeks to define data centers and establish specific regulations for their classification, location, and design, including standards for noise, utilities, and setbacks. Residents and State Rep. John McCravy have urged the council to enact a two-year moratorium to further study the impacts before final approval.
Greenwood County Council is advancing Ordinance 2026-19, a proposed zoning text amendment aimed at classifying data centers as a conditional use within the I-2 Heavy Industrial, I-1 Light Industrial, and RDD Rural Development zoning districts. The ordinance, which passed its second reading with a 5-2 vote and awaits a third reading, seeks to clarify the county's currently ambiguous zoning ordinance regarding data centers.
The amendment would introduce specific conditional use standards for data centers, addressing their classification, location, and design. It also aims to mitigate potential impacts related to power infrastructure, water resources, environmental factors, noise, light, and visual aesthetics. Economic Development Director James Bateman explained that the amendment would establish a more rigorous review process, requiring applicants to submit detailed building and site plans, as well as supporting documents demonstrating compliance with the new standards.
The proposed regulations include a 60 dBA noise limit at the boundary of adjacent nonindustrial areas and a 70 dBA limit for industrial areas, along with mandatory pre- and post-construction sound studies. Developers would also need to provide written verification from utility providers confirming adequate capacity for power, water, and sanitary sewer services. The amendment also specifies requirements for exterior lighting to reduce glare and light pollution, along with substantial setback and buffer yard requirements, particularly for sites adjacent to residential uses.
Furthermore, the ordinance mandates a decommissioning plan and financial security to cover 110% of the estimated decommissioning costs. During the public hearing, several residents and state Representative John McCravy voiced concerns that the amendment does not go far enough and urged the council to consider a two-year moratorium on data center development to allow for further study of potential impacts.