Savannah approves 155-day moratorium on data centers
Savannah City Council unanimously approved a 155-day moratorium on new large-scale data center projects to assess their impact on the city's future. The pause will allow leaders to review zoning ordinances and understand implications for the electrical grid, water resources, and infrastructure capacity. Chatham County is also considering a similar one-year moratorium.
The Savannah City Council has unanimously approved a 155-day temporary moratorium on new large-scale data center projects within the city. This pause includes plans to convert existing large warehouses or industrial buildings into data centers. The decision was made to allow city leaders time to thoroughly understand the potential impacts of these developments on Savannah's future, particularly concerning the electrical grid, water resources, infrastructure capacity, and the creation of permanent jobs for taxpayers.
During this 155-day period, which will last until late January 2027, the city plans to review current zoning ordinances and discuss necessary changes before further data center developments are permitted. City officials noted that other governments have inquired about Savannah's approach to handling data center growth. No public comments were made during the council meeting where the moratorium was approved.
Following Savannah's action, Chatham County is also considering similar measures. Commissioner Dean Kicklighter is reportedly proposing a one-year moratorium on new data centers in unincorporated Chatham County.