Northampton County Commissioners Review Draft Data Center Regulations During Moratorium

Northampton County's Board of Commissioners received a preliminary draft of proposed data center regulations during their August 3 meeting. Code Enforcement Director Jason McAllister presented the initial document, emphasizing that it is a work in progress and subject to changes and amendments.

The county is currently operating under a 32-month moratorium on data center proposals, which was enacted in May and is scheduled to conclude on January 4, 2029. This pause allows the county to study potential impacts, develop stronger land use ordinance amendments, and gather public input. The draft ordinance incorporates feedback from citizens opposed to data center developments and plans to add further details regarding energy use and water consumption.

The proposed regulations permit data centers by right in Heavy Industrial zones and via special use permit in Light Industrial areas, while not allowing them in other zoning districts. Hyperscale data centers would only be allowed in Heavy Industrial zones with a special use permit. The draft also introduces setback requirements, including 500 feet from existing dwellings and 1,000 feet from sensitive uses like schools, and outlines noise limits. Commissioner Melvetta Broadnax Taylor expressed dissatisfaction with the Planning and Zoning department for not providing more information and education on data center effects to the board and citizens. County Manager Julian Phillips stressed the importance of a strong ordinance to protect the county's interests.

Commissioner Kelvin Edwards mentioned North Carolina's HB1189, the Data Center Transparency Act, as a relevant state initiative. The commissioners took no action on the draft at this meeting, awaiting further input from the Planning Board and citizens. Additionally, McAllister highlighted the need for more members on the Planning Board.