Vance Commissioners, County Attorney Discuss Process For 60-Day Moratorium
The Vance County Board of Commissioners has agreed to initiate the process for a 60-day moratorium on data center development. This decision follows a meeting where legal requirements for such a measure were discussed, including public hearings. Commissioners expressed varying opinions on the duration of the moratorium, with some advocating for a longer period.
The Vance County Board of Commissioners has initiated the process for a 60-day moratorium on data center development, following a Monday meeting where County Attorney Jonathan Care outlined the necessary legal steps. This action aims to provide the county with time to review and amend its unified development ordinance (UDO) in response to ongoing discussions and concerns regarding data centers.
Care instructed commissioners on the legal prerequisites for enacting a moratorium, emphasizing the need to clearly define the problems, identify which development approvals would be subject to the pause, set a termination date, and detail the county's planned actions during the moratorium. A legislative hearing for public comment is planned for the board's regular September meeting, with further discussion scheduled for an August 25 joint work session with the planning board.
Commissioners expressed diverse opinions on the moratorium's proposed length. Commissioner Dan Brummitt supported a 60-day moratorium, contingent on the county's progress in making a text amendment to the UDO to address current vulnerabilities. However, Commissioners Leo Kelly and Valencia Perry argued that 60 days was insufficient, with Kelly suggesting a six-month duration to allow ample time for community input and informed decision-making. Commissioner Tommy Hester inquired about the possibility of extending the moratorium, which Care confirmed was permissible.