Newton County enacts emergency moratorium on data-center applications
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Summary
The Newton County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved an emergency moratorium halting acceptance of applications for data centers in unincorporated county areas while staff develops zoning text amendments and UDO updates to address noise, water and electricity impacts.
The Newton County Board of Commissioners on Feb. 17 unanimously approved an emergency resolution pausing acceptance of applications for data-center development in the unincorporated county.
The resolution, presented by Shana Applewhite, director of development services, was described as a time‑sensitive emergency measure to allow staff to draft a text amendment and fold data-center regulations into the county’s unified development ordinance. Applewhite told the board the county’s current rules apply only to the Stanton Springs area and that the planning office has seen an influx of inquiries and applications beyond that zone.
Supporters who spoke during public comment urged the board to move quickly. Maurice Carter, president of the nonprofit Sustainable Newton, told commissioners the moratorium would let the county develop rules to protect residents from noise, light, water-usage and air-quality impacts. “We would be more than happy to provide the resources and information that we’ve gathered,” he said.
Several commissioners said they had been studying data-center impacts and stressed infrastructure concerns. Commissioner Mason cited regional research and meetings in other states while Commissioner Edwards warned the board that electricity and water contracts and regional infrastructure raise technical and legal issues that must be resolved. Mason also noted recent state-level activity: he cited House Bill 1059, which he said proposes a statewide moratorium from July 1, 2026, to Dec. 31, 2028, and establishes a study commission to recommend model ordinances.
Applewhite and other members of the board said the county will use the moratorium period to draft distance, siting and performance standards and to coordinate with neighboring jurisdictions. The board’s voice vote produced unanimous approval.
The moratorium does not itself adopt a final ordinance; it temporarily stops the county from accepting applications so staff and the commission can complete a rulemaking process. Commissioners said they expect the text amendment and UDO changes to be considered in subsequent meetings.
Votes at a glance: the moratorium on data-center applications was approved by a unanimous voice vote.