Walker County adopts temporary moratorium on data centers, vows more study and public hearings

Walker County commissioners on July 9 adopted resolution R-053-26 imposing an initial 30-day moratorium on data-center development and instructed staff and the county attorney to prepare a longer ordinance and hold public hearings during an anticipated 180-day extension.

The action followed sustained public concern that data centers are acquiring large tracts of agricultural land elsewhere in North Georgia and that Walker County needs stronger zoning and environmental protections. "We are aware that they are buying up huge chunks of ag land in the whole state, and we want to make sure that doesn't happen anymore," one commissioner said when introducing the motion to approve the resolution.

Several residents and business owners told the board they had seen inquiries from brokers about potential data-center projects near Barwick Mill and elsewhere. Tori Phillips said she had heard rumors a data center might be proposed across from her business and asked whether the county had received formal proposals. County staff confirmed Economic Development had received general inquiries from brokers but not firm names or applications.

The chairwoman and county staff explained the process: the county will publish the moratorium notice in the Walker County Messenger as required, hold a public hearing at the Aug. 6 meeting and then propose an additional 180-day moratorium while legal counsel and planning staff draft zoning changes and ordinance language for further public review and Planning Commission consideration.

What happens next: The Board will hold public hearings and the Planning Commission will review any draft ordinance. Staff and counsel will prepare proposed language and identify the community impacts (utilities, water use, road impacts and environmental considerations) to be addressed before any data-center projects are approved.