Charlotte’s pause on new data centers will last nearly another year.
City Council voted unanimously Monday night to extend its data center moratorium by 11 months, to Oct. 18, 2027, WFAE reported. The current 150-day moratorium stops the city from approving new permits for data centers. Projects that already have permits aren’t affected.
According to WFAE, council members say their hands are largely tied by state law. North Carolina doesn’t let local governments “downzone,” or make the existing zoning on a property more restrictive. District 6 council member Kimberly Owens pointed to that limit as the main obstacle to adopting stronger rules. The city is hoping the General Assembly will pass changes early in next year’s legislative session.
The issue has drawn a crowd. At an earlier public hearing, WFAE reported, some speakers worried about environmental effects and the possibility that data centers would disproportionately affect Black and brown communities. Union members spoke in support, saying the projects bring jobs for electricians and other trades. Residents near proposed sites have raised concerns about noise and pollution, and others worry about how much power and water the facilities use.
The extension passed as part of council’s Oct. 26 business meeting.
Source: WFAE: Charlotte extends its data center moratorium for 11 months · WFAE: Local News Roundup, Oct. 16
