Moore County begins writing the rules for data centers
Moore County’s two-year moratorium on data centers is in effect while the Planning and Zoning Commission develops regulations for future facilities. Proposed rules include heavy-industrial zoning, a 100,000-gallon water limit, closed-loop cooling, building-height and setback requirements, noise limits, and restrictions on auxiliary power.
Moore County Planning and Zoning commissioners began drafting regulations for data centers during a meeting Tuesday, with the county’s two-year moratorium already in effect. The working proposals address zoning classification, water consumption, cooling systems, building height, setbacks, noise and backup power.
The commission discussed potentially limiting data centers to heavy-industrial areas, capping water availability at 100,000 gallons, requiring closed-loop cooling and setting a 35-foot height limit with 500-foot separations from residential and other high-density areas. Members also considered a 60-decibel noise limit, a lower nighttime standard and allowing auxiliary generators only for emergencies unless separately licensed.
Chairman Deter Golden said commissioners had been advised that the moratorium could face a legal challenge, making permanent regulations important. No final action was taken; the proposed standards must be drafted, reviewed and sent to the Moore County Metro Council.