Cumberland County Enacts 6-Month Data Center Moratorium
Cumberland County has enacted a six-month moratorium on data center construction in its unincorporated areas to develop regulations for these facilities. The unanimous vote by the Board of Commissioners was met with public applause, stemming from concerns over electricity, water use, and noise. Meanwhile, Fayetteville City Council is also considering its own moratorium and has scheduled a public hearing.
The Cumberland County Board of Commissioners has unanimously approved a six-month moratorium on new data center construction in unincorporated areas of the county, effective until December 15. The decision, met with applause from spectators, aims to provide county staff and commissioners time to develop a comprehensive ordinance regulating data center facilities, addressing public concerns over heavy electricity and water use, noise, and the growth of artificial intelligence. During this period, the county will not review site plans or issue permits for data centers.
Commissioner Pavan Patel emphasized that the vote ensures responsible action and avoids future costly mistakes for the community. Commissioner Chair Kirk deViere highlighted the intent to establish clear standards for data centers regarding water, power, noise, and proximity to neighborhoods and schools. The moratorium does not affect projects within Fayetteville city limits.
Separately, the Fayetteville City Council postponed discussion of its own moratorium until August 25 but scheduled a public hearing for August 10 to gather feedback on potential data center regulations. The article also notes that one or more data centers are reportedly looking to build within Fayetteville's city limits or in areas proposed for annexation, including plans by Terra Nexus Ventures on Custer Avenue and interest from PRSM Group in an industrial park within Cumberland County. Fort Bragg is also under consideration by the Defense Department for a 50-year lease to a data center developer.