New Hanover County to look at data center regulations in land code
New Hanover County commissioners have directed staff to review existing data center ordinances due to increasing national opposition and local moratoria in nearby towns. The goal is to update the county's land code to better address concerns like energy and water use, noise, and to allow for more public and commissioner input in the approval process. This proactive measure aims to prepare for potential future data center applications.
New Hanover County commissioners in North Carolina have initiated a review of the county's data center ordinances, citing growing national opposition to large-scale facilities and recent moratoria enacted by nearby municipalities like Southport and Boiling Spring Lakes. Planning Director Rebekah Roth informed the commissioners that the current land code, updated in 2020, allows data centers by-right in four zoning districts, but lacks specific provisions addressing concerns such as noise, cooling systems, and power grid impact.
During their agenda review meeting, Commissioners LeAnn Pierce, Dane Scalise, Rob Zapple, Stephanie Walker, and Bill Rivenbark expressed a desire to proactively update regulations. Key concerns included the high energy and water consumption of AI-driven data centers, environmental impacts on the coastal county, and the need for greater commissioner and public input in the approval process, potentially through special use permits or conditional zoning. Commissioner Scalise also questioned the practical viability of large data centers in the hurricane-prone county, while Commissioner Zapple advocated for prioritizing residential energy needs over data center demands, referencing a recent federal bill.
County Manager Chris Coudriet cautioned the board against attempting to outright prohibit data centers, emphasizing limitations on their authority. The commissioners ultimately directed staff to research and present a range of policy options for regulating data center development, aiming to be better prepared for any future applications while balancing community concerns with potential economic impacts.