If data centers are coming, Horry County wants to regulate them. Here's what they're debating.

Horry County, South Carolina, is proactively working to establish comprehensive regulations for data centers, anticipating a surge in development driven by technological advancements. County officials, including Councilman Al Allen, chair of the infrastructure and regulation committee, expressed concerns regarding the significant power and water demands of these facilities, as well as their potential land use conflicts and proximity to residential areas. The county's existing zoning code currently lacks specific provisions for data centers, prompting the development of an updated ordinance. The proposed regulations aim to restrict data centers primarily to general manufacturing and heavy industrial zones, with officials debating whether to allow smaller facilities in limited industrial districts. This move comes amid opposition from residents, exemplified by Liz Maciorowski of Conway's Wild Wing neighborhood, who highlighted past planning decisions that led to industrial sites near residential communities, causing issues like noise, dust, and environmental concerns. The urgency for these regulations initially arose from a potential data center project, but the process has since been refined after learning it was a site selector, not a specific company, exploring properties. While state lawmakers are also considering data center legislation, Horry County officials intend to maintain local control over the placement of these facilities, expecting state oversight on water and energy usage. Sandy Davis, president of the Myrtle Beach Regional Economic Development Corp., noted the positive experience with DC Blox's existing subsea cable landing station in Myrtle Beach, advocating for "smart growth" that benefits the area without negative impacts. Despite temporarily tabling the ordinance for updates, council members, like Mike Masciarelli, believe additional local regulations are crucial as the industry continues to expand.