Central North Carolina communities pause to consider data center development

Across central North Carolina, numerous local governments are actively engaging with the proliferation of data center developments, driven by the global AI boom. Several municipalities and counties have either enacted or are considering moratoriums to temporarily halt data center construction. Apex leaders voted for a one-year suspension, Wendell commissioners approved a moratorium until December 2026, and Chatham and Orange Counties also approved year-long bans. Meanwhile, Durham City Council, Harnett County, Cumberland County, and Fayetteville are all discussing or proposing similar moratoriums, with public hearings scheduled in several locations. Beyond moratoriums, some localities are updating their zoning and development ordinances. Johnston County commissioners approved a rezoning request for Prologis, Inc. in Cleveland Township, but only after the company committed not to pursue data center development at the site due to resident concerns. Vance County approved a rezoning for Natelli Investments, a developer previously associated with data center projects. Lee County and Sanford City Council have both amended their Unified Development Ordinances to include specific standards for data centers, including requirements for noise, water, wastewater, and electricity confirmation. Microsoft is an active player, reportedly planning to begin the permitting process this year for a data center on a 1,385-acre site in Person County, acquired in 2024. County officials state Microsoft has committed to covering its own electricity costs to avoid increasing local prices and will invest in local IT training and nonprofits. The regional activity highlights a trend of communities seeking to understand and regulate the impacts of data center growth.