Horry County looking at local data center control policy amid state-level talks

Horry County, South Carolina, is moving to establish local control over data center development, with its infrastructure and planning subcommittee reviewing a proposed ordinance. Senior planner Desiree Jackson noted the current zoning ordinance lacks specific standards for data centers, creating uncertainty despite increasing interest in these facilities. The proposed amendment aims to set conditions addressing noise, scale, and compatibility impacts on surrounding properties. This local effort aligns with broader state-level discussions in the South Carolina General Assembly, where lawmakers are considering a trio of bills to regulate the state's emerging data center economy. A key aspect of these proposed state regulations includes requiring data centers to cover their own energy and water consumption costs. Chris Gatch, executive vice president of DC BLOX, emphasized the foundational role of data centers in the modern digital economy, particularly with the rise of AI factories. The urgency for regulation is underscored by rapid industry growth, with the American Society of Mechanical Engineers reporting escalating power needs for data centers. Dodge Data & Analytics also indicated a record-breaking first half of 2024 for data center construction in the U.S., with 78 projects valued at over $9 billion.