Sanford Council discusses draft rules for data centers

The Sanford Council in North Carolina convened for a 90-minute work session on Tuesday, April 14, to deliberate on proposed regulations for data center development within Sanford and Lee County. Zoning Administrator Thomas Mierisch presented the draft rules, which were developed by the Joint Planning Commission over several months, with input from Lee County commissioners. The proposed regulations, modeled after those in Loudoun County, Virginia, and Phoenix and Marana, Arizona, aim to guide data center construction and operation. Key aspects of the draft rules include restricting data centers to light and heavy industrial zones, imposing a 75-foot height limit, and mandating specific building materials such as brick, wood, stucco, or stone, while prohibiting pre-fabricated metal or vinyl siding. Environmental considerations are addressed by prohibiting data centers from drawing water from wells or rivers or discharging wastewater into septic systems, requiring a "will serve" letter from an electric utility. Concerns were raised by Council members regarding noise levels and the potential impact on utility rates. The draft rules require a noise study and propose fines for violations, with some council members advocating for daily fines up to $25,000. Community Development Director Marshall Downey acknowledged that electricity rates are likely to increase regardless, citing recent rate hike requests from Duke Energy and Central Electric Co-op. The council plans a public hearing on the draft rules for Tuesday, April 21, at 6 p.m. If approved by the planning board that evening, the council could vote to adopt the rules, making them immediately effective in Sanford. Land outside city limits would fall under separate regulations set by Lee County or the Town of Broadway.