City of Asheville considering one-year moratorium on new data centers over utility, noise concerns
Asheville leaders are considering a one-year moratorium on new data center construction to address utility and noise concerns and to develop the city's first-ever zoning regulations for these facilities. The proposal, reviewed by a city committee, will now head to the full City Council for a public hearing and vote. If approved, the moratorium would allow the city to study environmental impacts and draft proper zoning protections within 12 months.
Asheville, North Carolina, leaders are considering a one-year moratorium on the construction of new data centers. The temporary pause would allow the city to develop its first-ever zoning laws to regulate data center development, addressing concerns about the intensive impacts these facilities place on local electric and water utilities, as well as significant noise and heat.
The city's Planning, Economic Development and Environment (PEDE) Committee recently reviewed a proposal recommending that the City Council consider the 12-month moratorium. Currently, Asheville’s Unified Development Ordinance lacks any specific definitions, policies, or regulations for data centers, leading to uncertainty for both developers and residents.
A legal analysis presented by Asheville City Attorney Brad Branham and Assistant Planning Director Chris Collins confirmed that municipal moratoriums are permitted under state law, provided their duration is “reasonable.” The proposed one-year timeframe is designed to allow city planners to study environmental impacts and draft appropriate zoning protections within a period that judges would likely consider acceptable.
The proposal will now advance to the full Asheville City Council, which must conduct a formal public hearing before officially voting on and potentially adopting the moratorium ordinance. If approved, the city plans to follow a two-phase timeline to research and write the new zoning laws.