Data center moratorium advances amid questions about public notice
Clarendon County Council advanced a six-month moratorium on certain data center developments with a second reading. The moratorium aims to give officials time to establish specific zoning standards for data centers but would not affect the proposed "Project 59" data center already in an industrial zone. Public notice and transparency around the process, particularly regarding Project 59, have raised questions and led to an online petition.
Clarendon County Council has given second reading to Ordinance 2026-18, proposing a six-month moratorium on new data center and battery energy storage system developments outside existing Industrial I and II zones. The measure, which will have a public hearing before a final vote on September 14, aims to allow officials time to develop specific zoning standards for such facilities, addressing issues like setbacks, noise, and emergency access.
However, the proposed moratorium will not impact "Project 59," a data center project currently under application, as it is slated for a location already zoned Industrial I. Santee Electric Cooperative submitted the initial land-use request on behalf of the developer, identified as "Five Nines."
The timing of the moratorium and the emergence of Project 59 has sparked controversy regarding transparency and public notice. State Representative Fawn Pedalino criticized the county for not informing residents earlier and called for a public forum, while an online petition opposing data center development in the county garnered over 300 signatures. Council Chairman Jay Johnson acknowledged public concerns and stated that public comment would be accepted before the moratorium's final reading.