Charlotte extends its data center moratorium for 11 months
Charlotte City Council unanimously extended the city’s data center moratorium by 11 months, through October 18, 2027. The moratorium stops approval of new data center permits while leaving existing permits unaffected, as city officials seek state law changes enabling stronger local regulations.
The Charlotte City Council voted unanimously to extend the city’s 150-day moratorium on approving new data center permits by 11 months, through Oct. 18, 2027. Existing data center permits are not affected by the moratorium.
District 6 representative Kimberly Owens said the city had no other option under current North Carolina law, which prevents local governments from making existing zoning more restrictive. The council is looking to the North Carolina General Assembly for legislative changes that would allow Charlotte to adopt additional data center regulations. Residents near proposed facilities have raised concerns about noise, pollution, electricity consumption and water use.