Mount Airy commissioners vote to let data center moratorium expire
The Mount Airy Board of Commissioners unanimously voted to allow the city's data center moratorium to expire. The board also approved regulations for mid-sized data centers, including a 500-foot buffer from residential structures and limits addressing water, electricity, security and facility size.
Mount Airy commissioners unanimously voted to let the city’s data center moratorium expire on Dec. 13, clearing the way for potential mid-sized facilities. Commissioner Chad Hutchens said repeated moratoriums could stall development and argued that the city needed permanent rules instead of continuing to halt proposals.
The board also unanimously approved an ordinance regulating future data centers. The rules address facility size, water and electricity use, security and required buffers, including a 500-foot separation from existing or approved homes. City leaders said Mount Airy lacks the space for a mega data center and emphasized that the regulations are intended to protect residents while allowing appropriately sized projects.