Charlotte Extends Data Center Moratorium by 11 Months

Charlotte's City Council has unanimously approved an 11-month extension of its moratorium on new data center projects. The pause was set to expire in November, and under the extension it can run no later than October 18, 2027.

Council members said the added time will let the city develop rules for how these facilities are built. Council Member Dimple Ajmera said the goal is to protect residents, neighborhoods, water supply and the electrical grid. Council Member Kimberly Owens said she would prefer targeted regulations over a moratorium, but noted the city lacks the authority to downzone and hopes state legislation will grant it.

The original 150-day pause took effect in June. Local opposition grew after American Tower Corp. proposed a roughly 40,000-square-foot facility next to a nature preserve. Residents have cited water use, electricity costs and possible displacement at repeated council meetings. Charlotte is one of several North Carolina localities extending pauses, with more than 50 moratoriums active statewide and Raleigh recently adopting a six-month pause.

For developers and lenders, the practical implication is that new data center applications in Charlotte will remain on hold until at least late 2027, and the eventual rules may set conditions on siting, water and power.