What does the new data center moratorium mean for Laurens County?
Laurens County Council unanimously voted to enact a one-year moratorium on new data center development. This pause will allow county officials to study the potential impacts of these facilities and develop specific zoning and regulatory guidelines for their future placement and operation within the county.
The Laurens County Council unanimously approved Ordinance #1012, enacting a 12-month moratorium on new data center development within the county. This pause specifically halts the acceptance, review, and approval of applications and permits for new data centers, though facilities for governmental purposes are exempt. The decision follows growing interest in large-scale data center development and acknowledges that existing zoning and land development regulations do not adequately address the unique issues associated with these facilities.
During the moratorium, county staff, the Laurens County Planning Commission, and the County Council will study potential impacts on the electric grid, water and wastewater systems, transportation, emergency services, noise, environmental effects, and compatibility with surrounding properties. They will also identify appropriate areas for data centers and recommend countywide amendments to planning and zoning ordinances. The Council is mandated to review progress within six months, and the moratorium will automatically expire after 12 months unless extended or ended earlier by resolution.