Data center moratorium passes
The Jackson County Board of Commissioners has enacted a one-year moratorium on data center development. This temporary halt aims to allow commissioners and the Planning Board to study the impacts of data centers and develop specific regulations for the county's Unified Development Ordinance. The ordinance went into effect immediately.
The Jackson County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved a one-year moratorium on data center development, effective immediately, during its August 18 meeting. The temporary ban, which will expire on August 18, 2027, prevents the county from issuing permits for data center-related projects.
Planning Director Micheal Poston presented Ordinance 2026-02, outlining benchmarks for the year-long period. These include public hearings, a review of other statewide data center ordinances by the Planning Board, and consultations with experts experienced in data centers. By early 2027, the Planning Department expects to begin drafting new regulations and revisions to existing ordinances, with public feedback sought on any proposed zoning changes.
The ordinance defines data centers broadly, acknowledging potential benefits to the county's tax base while also addressing residents' concerns about the increasing frequency of these facilities and their impact on quality of life. The county aims to find a balance between economic development and citizen welfare, considering all impacts, including environmental effects, to propose mitigating standards. Projects for which permits have already been issued are exempt under NCGS 160D-107(c).