Cary Town Council unanimously approves 18-month moratorium on data centers
The Cary Town Council unanimously approved an 18-month moratorium on data center development. This period will allow town staff to study the impacts of data centers, including power and water consumption, noise, and site design, to develop a comprehensive ordinance for future projects. The moratorium includes an exception for small-scale enterprise data processing equipment drawing less than one megawatt.
The Cary Town Council in North Carolina unanimously enacted an 18-month moratorium on all new data center development, following similar actions by other municipalities in the region. According to Heather Whelehan, Director of Planning and Community Development, this pause is intended to allow town staff to thoroughly study the land use and infrastructure impacts of data centers.
During this period, the town will examine critical factors such as power demand and grid capacity, water consumption, noise and vibration, and appropriate site design and buffering. Staff will provide regular updates to the council, with a new ordinance expected by February 2028. The moratorium does include an exception for small-scale, enterprise-level data processing equipment that draws less than one megawatt.
The decision garnered mixed reactions from residents. Michael Morris, an IT industry professional, expressed concerns that the moratorium sends a negative message about growth, while Rick Trotter supported the pause, emphasizing the need for time to establish proper regulations. Mayor Pro Tem Lori Bush framed the moratorium not as a ban on growth but as a strategic measure to ensure responsible development. The article also notes that Durham County recently approved a nine-month data center pause, and Raleigh saw a developer withdraw plans due to public opposition.