Southport Planning Board to vote on first-ever rules for data centers
Southport's Planning Board is set to vote on proposed rules that would allow data centers in the city for the first time. These rules include detailed environmental and operational requirements, such as setbacks, noise limits, solar mandates, and water usage restrictions. If approved, data centers would only be permitted in specific zoning districts through a conditional rezoning process.
The Southport Planning Board in North Carolina is set to vote on a groundbreaking zoning text amendment that would establish the city's first-ever regulations for data centers. The proposed rules, considered some of the most detailed in the region, aim to permit data center construction exclusively within the Highway Commercial zoning district, subject to a conditional rezoning process requiring individual city approval for each project. Planning Services Director Maureen Meehan recommends approving the amendment, which would then proceed to the Board of Aldermen for final consideration.
Key provisions of the amendment include a mandatory 1,000-foot buffer between data centers and sensitive areas like homes and schools, a 60-decibel noise cap at property lines, and strict emission standards for backup generators. Environmentally, facilities would be required to cover 50% to 80% of unused roof space with solar arrays and secure off-site renewable energy through power purchase agreements. The rules also mandate closed-loop water or refrigerant cooling systems, connection to county water and sewer, and prohibit private groundwater wells.
Applicants would be required to submit engineer-certified plans detailing energy use, water consumption, and noise mitigation, along with annual reporting to the city. The amendment also outlines decommissioning requirements if a facility ceases operation for 12 consecutive months, including the removal of structures and disposal of hazardous materials within one year. The Planning Board will assess the amendment's consistency with the Southport 2050 Comprehensive Plan.