Commissioners push data center discussion to December
Beaufort County commissioners postponed a discussion about data center regulations until Dec. 7. The county is preparing to form an advisory committee to help draft a zoning ordinance and assess the environmental and economic effects of data centers, following a previously enacted one-year moratorium.
The Beaufort County Board of Commissioners delayed a planned data center discussion until Dec. 7 because of Election Day and the absence of Commissioners Jerry Langley and Tandy Dunn. County Manager Tim Corley was expected to propose subject-matter experts for an advisory committee focused on developing a data center zoning ordinance.
The committee would examine the potential environmental and economic impacts of data centers and help establish which developments could be permitted if future commissioners decide to allow them. Residents will be able to comment, but the board will retain final authority over recommendations. The board voted 6-1 on Sept. 5 to impose a one-year moratorium on data centers while regulations are developed.