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Charlotte weighs a new data center policy as 150-day moratorium nears end
The 150-day pause began in June, is set to expire in November, and could be extended as the city studies impacts tied to water and power demand.
Charlotte is developing recommendations for a new data center policy while a 150-day development moratorium runs through November, according to Bisnow. City staff say they are researching approaches other jurisdictions used during recent project pauses, and they are engaging stakeholders as Charlotte prepares its next steps.
More than 100 local governments nationwide are grappling with similar decisions, driven by rising backlash over data centers’ large demand for water and power. Bisnow reports that the outcome in Charlotte could affect whether major developers, including American Tower Corp., can move forward.
Charlotte approved the moratorium after months of debate over a proposed American Tower project on 58 acres near Reedy Creek Nature Preserve. The city has not approved American Tower’s rezoning request, and a hearing on the project was delayed from June to at least November.
The 150-day pause is slated to end in November, but a Charlotte City Council member said there is a chance it could be extended. Bisnow also notes Charlotte has about 40 operating data center facilities, while North Carolina has 95 active data centers, and nearby Davie County recently passed a one-year moratorium.