Nash County joins list of counties discussing data centers, outlines land development regulations
Nash County, North Carolina, is proactively updating its Unified Development Ordinance to establish land development regulations for data centers, even though no proposals are currently pending. This initiative aims to address community concerns regarding noise, electricity demand, and water use. The proposed changes would define specific zoning requirements and operational standards for future data center projects.
Nash County, North Carolina, is the latest community to engage in discussions regarding data center development, prompting updates to its Unified Development Ordinance (UDO). This move follows a trend across North Carolina, where over two dozen communities have adopted moratoriums or zoning restrictions due to growing concerns over noise, electricity consumption, and water usage by data centers.
During a recent meeting, residents voiced apprehensions, citing the significant water and resource demands of data centers, alongside generally negative perceptions. Nash County Planning Director Adam Tyson explained that the county's objective is to proactively equip commissioners with regulatory tools should a data center proposal emerge. The goal is to establish specific development standards that any future data center project would be required to meet for permitting.
The proposed UDO amendments include establishing a distinct land use category for "data centers," restricting their development to General Industrial (GI) Zoning Districts, and mandating a Special Use Permit issued after a quasi-judicial public hearing. Furthermore, the regulations propose substantial separation distances from residential areas and specific measures to mitigate operational impacts such as noise and the intensive use of electrical and water utilities. Tyson noted that while there are no current data center proposals in Nash County, officials are taking the prospect seriously. The next step involves formalizing the UDO language into an ordinance, which will then proceed to a vote.