Cumberland County Proposes Data Center Moratorium Ahead of Public Hearing
Cumberland County, NC, is proposing a moratorium on data center development to address public concerns regarding electricity usage, noise, and water. The temporary ban would halt permit reviews while the county develops new regulations. A public hearing is scheduled for May 18 to gather community feedback on the proposal.
Cumberland County, North Carolina, is considering a proposed moratorium on data center development, following public concerns over electricity consumption, noise pollution, and water use. The Board of Commissioners discussed a draft proposal that would temporarily halt the review of site plans and the issuance of zoning and building permits for data centers.
This pause, which would be a minimum of 60 days, is intended to allow county staff sufficient time to research and develop comprehensive regulations to address residents' concerns once the moratorium is lifted. County Attorney Rick Moorefield detailed the proposal to commissioners, emphasizing that the exact start and end dates remain flexible and will be determined after public input.
A public hearing is scheduled for May 18 at the Cumberland County Courthouse, where residents can voice their opinions on the moratorium's implementation and structure. The proposed ban would not apply to on-site data processing equipment incidental to primary uses like hospitals or financial institutions, provided such activities are not offered as a primary service to off-site users.