First reading approved for data center moratorium
Jasper County Council in South Carolina has approved the first reading of a proposed one-year moratorium on data center developments within unincorporated areas. The pause is intended to allow county staff to review zoning ordinances and land development regulations amid concerns over the significant water and electricity demands of data centers. Second reading and a public hearing are scheduled for a future meeting.
The Jasper County Council in South Carolina has taken initial steps toward implementing a one-year moratorium on new data center developments in unincorporated areas, approving the first reading of a proposed ordinance during its September 8 meeting. This decision follows discussions among Lowcountry county councils, citing concerns over the substantial water and electricity demands associated with data centers.
Lisa Wagner, Jasper County Director of Planning and Building Services, presented the ordinance, explaining that it would temporarily halt applications for rezoning, site plans, building permits, and economic incentives for data centers and related operations, including cryptocurrency mining. The moratorium aims to give staff time to review and update existing zoning ordinances and land development regulations, which currently permit data centers "by right" in several commercial and industrial districts, lacking specific provisions for such facilities. The Jasper County Planning Commission had previously recommended approval of the one-year moratorium to prevent adverse impacts on residents and local infrastructure.
Council members, including Gene Ceccarelli, John Kemp, Chris VanGeison, and Joseph Arzillo, emphasized the need for due diligence, research into potential impacts, and a thorough understanding of data center requirements before making permanent decisions. Council Chairman Joey Rowell reiterated that the moratorium is a temporary measure to ensure future developments meet stringent criteria related to water, electricity, environmental, and noise concerns. He also clarified that no data centers are currently planned for rural Jasper County.
Neighboring Beaufort County is also exploring similar moratoriums, with its Natural Resources Committee voting to draft various ordinances ranging from nine months to a year, or even a complete ban or strict regulations. Workshops and public hearings are planned in Beaufort County to discuss the matter further before any potential votes by the County Council.