McCormick County Council chair calls for temporary moratorium on data centers
McCormick County Council Chairman Bernie Hamby has instructed county staff to draft a proposed temporary moratorium on data centers following public concerns. The proposal will go through a public process, including review by the Planning Commission and multiple County Council readings. There are currently no active data center applications or commitments in the county.
McCormick County Council Chairman Bernie Hamby announced that county staff are preparing a proposed temporary moratorium on data centers in response to public concerns voiced at a recent council meeting. Hamby has directed the county administrator to draft the moratorium, which will then be sent to the McCormick County Planning Commission for review and recommendation before being placed on a County Council agenda.
Hamby clarified that any moratorium would undergo a thorough public process before final action. He also explained that an earlier draft ordinance was created to establish baseline regulations for data centers, which are currently permitted in the county's Service/Industrial zoning district without specific county standards. This earlier ordinance was intended for review, amendment, and strengthening through the Planning Commission and Council readings.
The chairman confirmed that McCormick County has not received any applications or development proposals for a data center, nor has the County Council approved or committed to any project, despite developers expressing interest in the region. He also stated he is unaware of any non-disclosure agreements related to data center projects involving county associates. County leaders plan to continue gathering information, considering stronger protections, and encouraging statewide standards from lawmakers.