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Planning commission chair urges one-year moratorium on data-center applications as county studies impacts
Summary
Michael Drake, chairman of the Southampton County Planning Commission, asked the Board of Supervisors to consider a one-year moratorium on data center applications while the commission finalizes an ordinance to address water, power, siting and community protections; board agreed to discuss the request at the next meeting.
Michael Drake, who identified himself as chairman of the Southampton County Planning Commission, asked the board during public comment to consider a one-year moratorium on any data-center applications so the commission can complete work on a local ordinance that addresses community protections, transparency and compatibility with the county's comprehensive plan.
Drake said the planning commission has been collecting information about data centers for more than three years, has toured a Mecklenburg County facility and has reviewed draft ordinances from neighboring localities. He cited community concerns including water use and power demands and said the commission wants more time to prepare "transparent rules and community protections" before the first application arrives.
Supervisors and staff confirmed they had received inquiries but no formal application as of the meeting. One supervisor said the issue should be placed on the next meeting agenda for staff to explore the legalities and for planning staff to report back; the board agreed to continue work on the issue and to consider the planning commission's request at an upcoming meeting.
During subsequent agenda discussion the board advanced battery storage ordinance work and the planning commission said it would continue drafting a companion data-center ordinance so the county is prepared should an application appear.
