Statesboro leaders approve data center ordinance
Statesboro City Council approved a new ordinance regulating future data center developments within city limits, prohibiting hyperscale centers and requiring special use permits for smaller projects. The decision followed public debate concerning water usage and environmental impacts, with one council member voting against due to water concerns. Separately, Bulloch County had previously enacted a moratorium on data centers in unincorporated areas.
Statesboro City Council has approved a new ordinance to regulate future data center developments within city limits, establishing a special use permit process for projects up to 50 acres and prohibiting larger hyperscale data centers. Mayor Jonathan McCollar clarified that this ordinance provides the city with control to approve or reject future proposals, rather than automatically allowing them.
The decision, passed with a 3-1 vote, followed public debate where residents like Kiki Cannon voiced concerns about water consumption, air quality, increased electricity bills, and environmental damage. Councilmember Phil Boyum cast the sole dissenting vote due to ongoing concerns about the impact on the city's water resources.
City officials stated that any future data center proposal would still require council approval through the special use permit process, with developers needing to address issues such as water usage, wastewater treatment, noise mitigation, and infrastructure needs. Separately, in February, Bulloch County Commissioners had enacted a 90-day moratorium on data center developments in unincorporated areas to study potential impacts and consider future regulations.