Asheville City Council to consider 1-year pause on data centers
Asheville city leaders are advancing a proposal for a one-year moratorium on data center development. The city's PEDE Committee unanimously approved moving the proposed pause to the full City Council for consideration. If approved, the moratorium would allow Asheville to develop specific zoning rules and address concerns regarding data centers' impact on utilities, noise, heat, and land use.
Asheville, N.C., city leaders are moving closer to enacting a temporary one-year moratorium on data center development. The city's Planning, Economic Development & Environmental (PEDE) Committee unanimously approved a proposal to introduce the moratorium to the full City Council.
The initiative stems from the city's current lack of defined development rules and clear policies specifically addressing data centers. City staff highlighted potential strains on water and electric utilities, alongside concerns regarding noise, heat, and land use.
Despite no current data center applications, officials, including PEDE chair and city council member Maggie Ullman, expressed a desire to establish regulations proactively. Ullman emphasized that dedicating land and infrastructure to data centers might not align with Asheville's housing needs and economic priorities.
If the City Council approves the moratorium, it would grant officials up to one year to thoroughly study data center impacts, solicit public input, and formulate new zoning rules. A public hearing and potential final vote on the measure are anticipated as early as next week.