Fayetteville and Cumberland County Advance Regulations for Data Centers Amidst Public Concern
The Fayetteville City Council and Cumberland County Board of Commissioners are moving closer to implementing regulations for data centers. The Fayetteville City Council approved its regulations on October 26, though the effective date is pending and could be November 23, potentially alongside a 180-day moratorium on new projects. These city regulations define data centers as a type of warehouse, permitting them in business parks, industrial zones, and planned economic development districts, requiring City Council approval, and mandating setbacks of at least 500 feet from residential areas, schools, and childcare centers. Noise and utility impact reports are also required. Meanwhile, Cumberland County commissioners are scheduled to discuss their proposed ordinance on Thursday, with a public hearing and vote to follow at a later date. The county currently has a six-month moratorium on data centers expiring December 15.
