| For Immediate Release: April 21, 2026
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Orange County Board of Commissioners Approves
One-Year Moratorium on Data Centers |
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During its April 21 business meeting, the Orange County Board of Commissioners (BOCC) voted unanimously *(6-0) to approve an ordinance establishing a one-year moratorium on large-scale data centers as a land use in Orange County.
The moratorium applies to a range of uses, including Artificial Intelligence data centers, cryptocurrency mining facilities, data processing facilities, and similar large-scale operations.
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The Board’s decision followed a public hearing held during the April 21 business meeting, where commissioners received public comment on the proposed ordinance.
The action builds on prior Board direction from March 5, 2026, when commissioners unanimously requested staff to evaluate the potential impacts of large-scale data center development in Orange County. Staff presented their findings on March 17, 2026, highlighting considerations such as electricity demand, water usage, land use compatibility, environmental impacts, and potential effects on residents’ utility costs and water quality.
The Board adopted the moratorium to allow time for further study and policy development. Specifically, the one-year pause will enable the county to:
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- Develop clear definitions and regulations for large-scale data centers and related uses
- Evaluate land use compatibility with existing communities
- Assess environmental impacts, including water supply and watershed protection
- Advance updates to the county’s Unified Development Ordinance (UDO)
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In conjunction with the moratorium, the Board also directed staff to prepare amendments to the UDO to define and regulate large-scale data centers, including Artificial Intelligence data centers, cryptocurrency mining facilities, and similar uses.
“The Board took this action to ensure we have the time and information needed to thoughtfully evaluate the impacts of large-scale data centers on our community,” said Chair Jean Hamilton. “This moratorium allows us to protect our natural resources, consider infrastructure demands, and engage residents as we determine the most appropriate path forward for Orange County.”
The ordinance is authorized under North Carolina General Statute 160D-107, which allows local governments to adopt temporary moratoria on development approvals when necessary to address specific conditions.
*Commissioner Sally Greene was not in attendance for the vote.
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