DeKalb County commissioners voted on Oct. 14 to extend a moratorium on permitting new data centers and on expansions of existing data centers in unincorporated DeKalb County until Dec. 16. The extension was offered so county staff and the public could finish drafting and vetting zoning regulations and operating "guardrails" for data-center projects.

Planning staff (Ms. Bragg) told the board the staff recommendation was to approve a moratorium extension to Dec. 16 to allow time for the regulatory process and additional public input. Supporters of the extension told the board it would give residents time to understand how data centers affect power demand, water use and neighborhood character. Ethan Williams, a Decatur resident, told commissioners he supported an indefinite pause, saying data centers "gobble up power" and provide little long-term local employment. Steven Benny, a resident, and Peter Perozi, another speaker, raised similar concerns about community impacts and potential water or chemical risks connected with cooling systems.

Not all public commenters opposed data centers on principle. Michelle Battle, who identified herself as a DeKalb County resident and attorney, said data centers can provide significant revenue and infrastructure benefits but agreed that strong local regulations and public hearings were appropriate. Commissioner Terry, who helped lead the committee process on the draft regulations, said DeKalb's draft rules are intended to include buffers, noise and water protections and a requirement that each data-center proposal seek a special land-use permit to ensure public hearings on every site.

The board adopted the extension motion. Commissioners and staff urged residents to participate in scheduled informational events, including a town hall and Planning Commission hearings, so the final rules reflect community concerns and technical standards.

What happens next: staff will continue drafting the data-center ordinance language, run the draft through required public-notice steps (community council, planning commission) and return to the board under the schedule provided by the administration.