Mount Pleasant to talk restrictions on data centers as growing number of SC counties ban them
Mount Pleasant's Planning Committee is scheduled to discuss potential restrictions on future data center developments on August 31. This move comes as other South Carolina counties have already implemented or considered moratoriums due to growing concerns over data center impacts. The committee will explore options like a temporary moratorium, impact studies, or special zoning restrictions to ensure a public review process for new data center projects.
Mount Pleasant's Planning Committee is set to meet on August 31 to deliberate on potential limitations for future data center construction within the town. The discussion is a proactive response to a surge in data center proposals across South Carolina and growing public scrutiny over their environmental and utility impacts, particularly concerning water and electricity consumption, and noise.
Councilman Daniel Brownstein initiated the inquiry after observing issues in other parts of the state. Currently, Mount Pleasant's zoning code permits data centers in light industrial, economic development, and areawide business-2 zones without requiring a town council vote or public hearing. Planning director Michele Reed confirmed that while the Design Review Board would review plans, no special exception or additional review is mandated. Brownstein emphasized the goal is to "tighten up the zoning code" to ensure a public process for any prospective data center developers.
Several measures are on the table for the committee's discussion, including a temporary moratorium on new data centers, mandating impact studies for proposed developments, or implementing special zoning restrictions. This approach mirrors actions taken by other South Carolina counties, such as Colleton, Edgefield, Fairfield, Greenwood, Newberry, and Spartanburg, which have either considered or adopted moratoriums to study the effects of data center growth. The article notes that a data center project in Marion County was scrapped earlier this year due to resident backlash over tax incentives.
Mount Pleasant, a largely built-out and high-cost area, is not typically a prime target for data centers that prefer rural areas with low land costs. However, Brownstein stated he is unaware of any immediate plans but aims to prepare the town to avoid being "flat-footed" if a developer expresses interest.