Colleton County Council to Consider Final Approval of Data Center Zoning Ordinance
Colleton County Council is set to give final approval to a Digital Infrastructure Overlay zoning ordinance for 300 acres near Ruffin, allowing data centers in the area. The ordinance has generated public comments both for and against data center development, with some concerns raised about environmental impacts on aquifers and county transparency. Council Member Steven Murdaugh emphasized the council's commitment to balancing community interests and that the adopted ordinance is tougher on future data centers.
Colleton County Council is slated to hold a final reading this Monday night on a significant Digital Infrastructure Overlay zoning designation. This ordinance, if approved, will permit data centers on 300 acres near the Ruffin community. The council previously gave unanimous approval during its second reading on Labor Day Weekend.
A public hearing is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. in Walterboro, preceding the council's 6 p.m. special meeting. During the second reading, five individuals spoke specifically about data centers, addressing alleged misconceptions, economic opportunities for Colleton County residents, and potential harm to aquifers. Some commenters also criticized the county government's transparency regarding the ordinance, while a planning commission member noted the council's version of the ordinance is "tougher on" future data centers.
Council Member Steven Murdaugh defended the council's approach, stating they would not knowingly adopt harmful policies and have visited data centers to educate themselves. He acknowledged public opposition but stressed the council's duty to balance community interests, dismissing claims that a single project approval means opposition to data centers county-wide.
County Administrator Thomas Higgs clarified that the proposed ordinance includes a provision to maintain an existing data center moratorium for areas east of I-95, excluding industrial zones, until the 2030 Comprehensive Plan update receives final approval. Additionally, Colleton County has other data center-related activities, including a proposal for a data center on former Weyerhaeuser land and the re-zoning of 638 acres near Cracker Barrel from commercial to industrial.