Cleveland County adopts interim development standards for data centers

County planning staff presented a text amendment (planning case 26-09) to add Section 12-164—new development standards tailored to data centers—with the stated goal of promoting compatibility with neighboring properties and minimizing noise and other impacts. Staff said the rules would apply to new facilities and add requirements such as 100‑foot setbacks from property lines, 500‑foot separation from residential zoning districts, generator screening and enclosure, daylight-only generator testing (7 a.m.–7 p.m.), letters from utility providers confirming capacity, and emergency-access site-plan requirements.

Staff noted the county has seen data centers in the region though not necessarily within the county's jurisdiction, and that the proposed standards were intended to be proactive. The planning board reviewed the draft over multiple meetings in May–July and recommended approval; the board held a public hearing (no speakers signed up) and voted unanimously to adopt the amendment. Commissioners and staff discussed whether the ordinance should distinguish AI data centers—one commissioner said AI facilities could have much greater water and power needs and recommended further study; staff and others noted pending state legislation could require future revisions.