Raleigh leaders consider 6-month pause on data center development
Raleigh city leaders are considering a six-month moratorium on new data center developments to allow time for reviewing and updating ordinances. Mayor Janet Cowell stated the pause would help address concerns around industrial zoning, noise, vibration, and impacts on the electric grid and water supply. A draft of the moratorium is expected next week, with a public hearing and potential vote scheduled for October 6.
Raleigh city leaders are moving forward with drafting a six-month moratorium on data center development following a closed session during a recent council meeting. This decision makes Raleigh, which currently hosts over 20 smaller data centers, the largest city in North Carolina to consider such a pause.
Mayor Janet Cowell explained that the draft moratorium would target larger data centers exceeding 10,000 square feet. The pause is intended to allow city officials to review and update ordinances, particularly those related to industrial zoning, which she described as a specific use requiring careful consideration. The review will also examine potential increases in noise and vibration levels, and the demand data centers place on the electric grid and water supply. The goal is to implement changes that protect the community from harmful consequences without being overly restrictive to existing operations or disrupting the city's reputation as an innovative tech hub.
Mayor Cowell anticipates the draft will be released next week, well in advance of a public hearing scheduled for October 6. The City Council could potentially vote on the moratorium that same evening.