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Board sets Aug. 26 hearing on proposed moratorium to study data centers and crypto facilities
Summary
The board voted unanimously to set a public hearing on Aug. 26 to consider a six-month moratorium (and possible regulations) on data centers, crypto mining and related data facilities while staff drafts UDO standards addressing power, water, noise and siting.
The Kernersville Board of Aldermen voted Aug. 4 to set a public hearing for Aug. 26 on a proposed moratorium for data centers, crypto-mining and related data facilities so staff can draft and return proposed UDO (Unified Development Ordinance) regulations.
Town Manager Curtis Swisher and other staff said the town currently does not have a defined use category for large data centers and that, without standards, such facilities could potentially locate in LI or GI zones. Swisher and aldermen raised issues the town will study, including electricity and water demand, cooling-system noise and possible requirements for on-site water containment or alternative energy (solar) solutions. "We don't currently have anything in our UDO specific to data centers," staff said during the discussion.
The board asked staff to draft regulations and recommended a six-month moratorium consistent with state statute to give sufficient time for research, stakeholder outreach and ordinance drafting. The motion to set the hearing on Aug. 26 passed unanimously. Staff said they would return with proposed language and that the moratorium period could be extended if needed.
