Multiple speakers during public comment and city officials told the commission on Oct. 7 they want DeKalb County to extend the temporary moratorium on permitting new data centers in unincorporated areas while the county finishes a text amendment.

Tommy T. Travis of the South DeKalb Coalition reminded the board that the moratorium reached on July 8 was set for 100 days and expires on Oct. 16. "The moratorium needs to be extended," he said, asking the board to place a moratorium‑extension vote on the agenda so the public would have more time for comment on the text amendment language.

Why it matters: Data centers have emerged as a major land‑use issue in DeKalb County because they place substantial demands on power and water infrastructure. Speakers said the county must address water and sewer capacity, zoning designations and public participation before new approvals move forward.

Public comment highlights

- Martha Gross, a commercial real estate broker, urged a moratorium until water and sewer infrastructure are fixed and recommended creating a specific data‑center zoning district located away from residential and neighborhood areas.

- Tommy T. Travis asked the board to vote to extend the moratorium so the public can engage in a more robust text‑amendment process.

What the administration added: During agenda review the county’s chief operating officer walked on a public hearing item filed by the director of Planning and Sustainability to extend the moratorium on permitting or authorizing any new data centers or expansions in unincorporated DeKalb County. The item has been advertised for public hearing; the administration said the item will be routed through the usual committee process.

Next steps: The board did not take a final vote at the Oct. 7 meeting. Commissioners and staff indicated the moratorium extension and related zoning text amendments will be considered in committee and at future board meetings; citizens urged an extension to allow full public input before any new permits are granted.