Charlotte leaders ready to dig into data center regulations

CHARLOTTE – Planning Director Monica Holmes informed the Charlotte City Council on April 13 that staff will require three to six months to develop recommendations for regulating data centers. The discussion arose during the approval of community area plans, where revisions were made to address resident feedback, including concerns about data centers. Council Member Dimple Ajmera highlighted constant community worries regarding infrastructure's ability to keep pace with growth, identifying data centers as a new pressure, particularly near nature preserves and residential zones. She cited concerns about energy and water usage, and overall quality of life. Ajmera urged Holmes to investigate a potential pause on data center proposals until new city regulations are approved, noting the increasing proximity of data centers to homes. District 5 Council Member JD Arias expressed concern about potential health and environmental impacts, referencing cases from other cities, and questioned the limited economic development benefits due to low employment. Conversely, District 6 Council Member Kimberly Owens encouraged an open mind, emphasizing the role of data centers in an AI-driven economy and suggesting creative solutions like water reuse and solar panels. Owens also cautioned that a moratorium could drive data center development overseas, posing data security risks. Holmes confirmed staff are researching data center regulations from other major cities and would consult the city attorney's office regarding a potential moratorium. The council aims to be proactive in managing data center development to balance community concerns with technological growth and data security.