Chatham County updates zoning to include data center language amid AI growth

Chatham County Commissioners unanimously approved changes to a zoning ordinance to include language specifically about data centers during a special meeting Thursday afternoon, WRAL reported.

Officials said this update is a key step for the county to provide clear guidelines addressing the development of data centers, particularly as interest grows in centers supporting artificial intelligence infrastructure and tools.

The board also voted to schedule a public hearing to further discuss data center regulations, continuing the county's effort to manage development amid public concern.

This action follows a temporary moratorium adopted in February on data center construction, which was prompted by community and nonprofit groups advocating for statewide restrictions due to potential negative impacts of large data centers.

Amanda Robertson, chair of the Chatham County Board of Commissioners, emphasized the need for local governments to have time to establish protections against harms from massive data centers.