Cherokee County imposes 180‑day moratorium on data‑center applications after large public turnout

The Cherokee County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously Aug. 18 to enact a 180‑day moratorium on acceptance, processing and consideration of land‑use and permit applications for data centers in unincorporated Cherokee County.

Brantley Day, the county’s Community Development director, told the board the 180‑day extension would give staff “the opportunity to conduct research, be able to get more public input on potential standards and ordinances and regulations that you may want to enact once the moratorium has ended.” The moratorium will run through mid‑February unless the board acts sooner.

Dozens of residents spoke during the public hearing. Sharon Valente, a Summerwalk homeowner, urged commissioners to “extend that moratorium tonight and … use it to say no,” citing persistent generator and cooling noise and concerns about health and property values. Roy Taylor, a Canton resident, asked the board to consider aligning the county’s timing with the state legislative session so any new county rules can account for changes in state law.

Marshall Watson, a technology consultant, argued against data centers on moral grounds and warned of high water and electricity demands. Anna Leonidas Cream told commissioners she wanted Cherokee County to lead a statewide pause on new data centers, citing published estimates of proposed facilities and regional power shortfalls.

Chair (speaker 1) noted that while data centers can deliver tax revenue, they can also be a poor fit for Cherokee County’s topography and quality‑of‑life goals. Commissioner Cagle moved to adopt the 180‑day moratorium; the motion was seconded and carried unanimously.

The moratorium excludes projects already approved or under development review, staff clarified. The board scheduled opportunity for further public input as staff prepares potential ordinance language during the moratorium period. The county’s Community Development Department will lead the research and public‑engagement schedule.