Planners direct staff to research data-center and battery-storage ordinances after inquiries
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Summary
Facing inquiries about data centers and battery storage, Southampton County’s planning commission unanimously directed staff to gather model ordinances, study other localities (including those that later changed position), and consider whether a moratorium or a county-specific ordinance would be appropriate.
The Southampton County Planning Commission voted unanimously to direct staff to collect ordinances and case studies from other localities concerning data centers and battery-storage facilities, and to report back with templates and lessons learned.
Commissioners said they want to be proactive rather than reactive, citing past experience with solar projects and noting that such developments can require large acreage and raise questions about land use, energy, and environmental safeguards. Staff reported having received a small number of recent inquiries and said he would compile sample ordinances and coordinate possible site visits to counties that have handled similar projects.
Commissioners discussed options including drafting a local ordinance, pursuing a moratorium if an application appeared imminent, and mapping likely siting areas. One commissioner suggested leveraging outside engineering (Timmons) to help identify suitable sites and impacts. The commission asked staff to include examples of jurisdictions that initially welcomed such projects and later restricted them, so the commission can see what prompted policy changes elsewhere.
The motion to gather information and pursue additional research passed unanimously. Commissioners said they would revisit the issue at future meetings and consider whether a moratorium or ordinance is necessary based on forthcoming findings.
