Commissioners approve data center rules, reject moratorium after lengthy hearing
The Davidson County Board of Commissioners approved new zoning regulations for data centers in a 5-2 vote after a contentious public hearing. The rules establish location restrictions, setbacks, noise and environmental requirements, water-use limits, and decommissioning standards, while commissioners rejected a proposed four-month moratorium 6-1.
The Davidson County Board of Commissioners adopted a data center zoning text amendment after hours of debate and public comment. The rules classify facilities by power consumption and require site plans, noise and vibration studies, environmental assessments, emergency plans and decommissioning plans. They also impose setbacks of 200 feet from exterior property lines, 500 feet from residential and agricultural property, and 1,000 feet from schools, churches, child-care facilities and assisted-living facilities. Large facilities are barred from rural community, community shopping and residential districts, while closed-loop or other low-water cooling systems are required and private wells are prohibited.
Commissioners voted 6-1 to reject a proposed four-month moratorium that supporters wanted to use for additional study. Residents and advocates, including Jeneen Sperduto of Davidson-Davie People for a Green Future, raised concerns about noise, water contamination, enforcement and the potential effects of the proposed Davie-Davidson Energy Complex, a Duke Energy and Piedmont Natural Gas project spanning sites in Davidson and Davie counties. The meeting became contentious when data center opponent Gary Orioli was removed after repeatedly interrupting the proceedings.