Greensboro City Council approves 180-day data center moratorium
Greensboro City Council has enacted a 180-day moratorium on data centers requiring more than 10 megawatts of electrical power. This pause allows city leaders time to study the potential effects of data centers and define future regulations within the city's Land Development Ordinance. The moratorium is effective until February 14, 2027.
The Greensboro City Council unanimously voted 8-0, with one recusal, to establish a 180-day moratorium on data center development within the city. This moratorium applies to any new data storage and processing facilities that require more than 10 megawatts of electrical power.
The pause on accepting, processing, and approving relevant development applications will last through February 14, 2027. The council initially considered a 120-day moratorium but extended it by two months after receiving public feedback.
According to Mayor Marikay Abuzuaiter, the goal is to allow city leaders sufficient time to study the potential impacts of data centers, update the city’s Land Development Ordinance with clear definitions, and continue gathering community input. The council plans to hold a series of public work sessions with subject-matter experts to review best practices, ensuring future regulations are well-informed and responsive to the needs of Greensboro residents. Existing projects that are already permitted or under construction will not be affected by the moratorium.