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Athens-Clarke County extends temporary moratorium on new data centers through June 5, 2026
Summary
The Mayor and Commission adopted ordinance #26-03-19 to continue a temporary moratorium on new data centers while staff and the Planning Commission study zoning text amendments; the moratorium runs through June 5, 2026 unless lifted earlier. Commissioners emphasized utility, environmental, and community-impact concerns.
The Unified Government of Athens‑Clarke County on March 3 adopted an ordinance extending a temporary moratorium on the establishment of new data centers in the county through June 5, 2026, while staff, the county attorney and the Planning Commission study proposed zoning text amendments.
The ordinance, introduced under new business as #26-03-19 and adopted by unanimous vote, continues a pause first enacted in December 2025 and directs county staff to consult with the Planning Commission and other departments as they draft potential regulations addressing data center impacts such as utility demand, noise and light pollution, and environmental concerns.
Mayor Girtz and multiple commissioners cited the need to protect public health, safety and welfare while drafting land-use standards. Commissioners noted the moratorium does not affect data centers whose rights have already legally vested; property owners asserting vesting must bear the burden to establish it under the ordinance.
Members of the public who spoke during a related Planning Commission hearing urged caution. Dr. Tawanna Mattox of Athens Land Trust and other speakers asked that the Commission extend the moratorium or delay action to ensure community impacts — including concerns raised about locations in historically Black neighborhoods — are fully considered.
The ordinance sets the moratorium to expire at 11:59 p.m. on June 5, 2026, unless the Commission acts sooner or adopts zoning amendments that address the cited issues. The measure also authorizes the county manager and designated staff to enforce the ordinance and carry out necessary actions.
Next steps include Planning Department work on the proposed Title IX amendments and further Commission consideration at upcoming meetings. The Commission previously directed a related hold on the Title IX text amendment until its April 7 voting meeting to allow additional review.
