Randolph County Commissioners Adopt Data Center Restrictions After Packed, Hours-Long Public Hearing
Randolph County commissioners unanimously adopted new restrictions for future data center development after a public hearing where residents expressed strong opposition. The new ordinance includes requirements for conditional zoning, environmental and sound impact studies, water usage disclosures, generator limits, and decommissioning plans, even though no specific data center application has been filed yet.
Randolph County commissioners have unanimously approved a comprehensive set of new restrictions for data center development, following a nearly three-hour public hearing packed with residents largely opposed to such facilities. The new ordinance, which updates the county's Unified Development Ordinance (UDO), introduces several stringent requirements despite no data center applications currently being on file.
Key provisions include mandatory conditional zoning for all future data center applications, ensuring a public hearing before the Board of Commissioners. Developers will also be required to conduct a 1,000-foot impact study around outdoor equipment, assessing effects on sensitive areas like schools and homes. The ordinance mandates a pre-construction sound study, with post-construction noise not to exceed baseline levels or 60 decibels. Additionally, facilities must use closed-loop water or liquid cooling systems with disclosed water usage, connect to the electric grid, and adhere to strict generator usage rules. A decommissioning requirement, backed by financial assurance, is also now in place.
During the public comment period, over 30 speakers voiced concerns, primarily focusing on water quality, noise pollution (including infrasound), and the general impact on the community. Many urged the commissioners to enact an outright moratorium. However, County Attorney Ben Morgan advised against a ban, citing the likelihood of it being overturned in court, and instead suggested making development as restrictive as legally permissible. The commissioners plan to hold a dedicated public hearing on data centers once a pending state bill, Senate Bill 730, is resolved or if a specific application emerges.