No AI Data Centers in Hillsborough, At Least For 60 Days
The Hillsborough town board has unanimously enacted a 60-day moratorium on the approval of new AI data centers and data mining facilities within town limits. This temporary ban allows town staff to study the issue and develop new governance language for its unified development ordinance (UDO). The action follows similar votes by other nearby government bodies in Orange, Chatham, and Durham counties.
The town of Hillsborough, North Carolina, has joined a regional trend by unanimously voting to impose a 60-day moratorium on the approval of any new AI data centers or data mining facilities. The decision, made by the Hillsborough town board on Wednesday, May 29, 2026, aims to provide town staff with time to develop a long-term policy and governance language for its unified development ordinance (UDO).
Town commissioners, including Meaghun Darab, Matt Hughes, and Kathleen Ferguson, expressed that while they are not necessarily opposed to data centers, the current UDO lacks specific regulations for such land use. Commissioner Hughes noted that while Hillsborough might not attract large gigawatt facilities, substantial and impactful projects could still emerge. Commissioner Ferguson emphasized the need for a thorough understanding of the long-term impacts, citing instances where communities without adequate regulations faced negative consequences from data center placements near residential areas.
Mayor Mark Bell also participated in the meeting where the vote occurred. This action by Hillsborough mirrors recent decisions made by Orange County Commissioners, Chatham County Commissioners, and the Durham City Council, all of whom have implemented similar measures in recent months to address data center development.