Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Moratorium topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council votes to place 12‑month data‑center moratorium on next agenda after intense debate
Summary
After public testimony and a lengthy council debate about zoning, stack heights and state coordination, council members amended a five‑year moratorium motion to 12 months and voted unanimously to place the ordinance on the next agenda for first reading.
The Kershaw County Council voted Aug. 11 to place a proposed moratorium on data centers and similar facilities on the next meeting agenda for first reading, following public comment and extended debate among council members and staff.
Councilman Russell (Bridal) moved an initial five‑year moratorium; Councilman Jones offered an amendment shortening the moratorium to 12 months with authority to extend. The amendment passed unanimously among those present and remote yes votes were recorded. The chair clarified that an actual moratorium would require a formal ordinance, three readings and a public hearing; tonight’s vote directed staff to place the moratorium ordinance on the next meeting agenda for 1st reading.
During debate, members raised legal and practical questions. The county attorney and planning staff said the ZLDR does not explicitly define "data center" and that many potential data‑center uses would have to fit within broader NAICS or zoning categories; staff said some projects could require zoning modifications. Members emphasized the need to coordinate with state lawmakers and avoid unintended constitutional problems with an overly broad or long moratorium. Nevertheless, several council members said a short moratorium would give the county time to draft regulations and consult technical experts.
