Colleton County Council approves first reading of moratorium on data center approvals after public concerns

Colleton County Council approved the first reading of an ordinance imposing a temporary moratorium on the consideration and issuance of special exceptions, conditional‑use approvals and other land‑use or development approvals for data centers during its May 4, 2026 meeting.

Councilman Phillip Taylor moved for approval of the ordinance’s first reading; Councilman Johnny Frank seconded the motion. Chairman Scott Biering called for the vote, and the motion carried unanimously with all five council members present.

The moratorium follows public comment in which residents raised objections to a proposed data center. Dan Sturgis and Brian Smith both told the council they were concerned about the proposed facility; their remarks were entered into the public record during the allotted comment period. The minutes summarize their concerns but do not list specific commitments or technical details about the proposal.

Administrator Higgs and council members framed the action as a temporary procedural pause to allow staff and council time to review land‑use rules, seek legal advice and consider Comprehensive Plan implications. Council later entered executive session to receive legal advice concerning land‑use matters and returned to public session with no action taken.

Because the measure passed only on first reading, further council action will be required before a permanent restriction or amendment to land‑use rules takes effect. A timeline for additional readings was not specified in the minutes.