What: how the city regulates data centers, including a possible moratorium and Unified Development Ordinance amendments on data storage.
Where it stands: On 2026-09-28 a conditional rezoning (P26-43, 5649 Bragg Blvd) was approved with data centers prohibited. The 2026-10-26 agenda carried UDO amendment TA26-01 on data storage, the 2026-11-02 work session listed a data center moratorium, and the 2026-11-09 agenda lists a moratorium ordinance and setting a hearing.
Next: Public hearing on the moratorium ordinance on 2026-12-07 (moved from 2026-11-23 on the agenda).
Details
P26-43 covers about 25.22 acres, rezoned to conditional light industrial; data centers are prohibited as a condition.
The outcome of TA26-01 on 2026-10-26 was not read.
Data center opposition dominated the public forum. A council member moved to suspend the rules to add a moratorium ordinance item under G.S. 160D-107; the motion died for lack of a second.
Public forum speakers urged rejection of the unified development ordinance as drafted and a one-year moratorium, citing missing caps on water and electricity use, generator noise and public reporting.
Staff and an outside attorney reviewed the amendment; the attorney advised treating data centers under the warehouse use and keeping the 500-foot setback because of state downzoning limits. Council voted to schedule a moratorium public hearing and to send the amendment back for revision.
Council adopted the revised TA26-01 amendment with conditional zoning, effective after the moratorium public hearing; four members opposed. Staff acknowledged a gap in protections until then.