The Board of Commissioners considered a proposed moratorium that would include exceptions and would last through May 2027.
The proposal would apply only to projects larger than 100,000 square feet, allowing smaller data centers to continue through the development process, particularly around areas such as Research Triangle Park.
The meeting drew a large crowd, with attendees holding signs reading "No Data Centers in Durham." Residents spoke for hours, raising concerns about air pollution, water use and energy consumption. Some also called for a 32-month moratorium without exemptions.
During the proposed moratorium, the county is expected to study the potential impacts of data centers, review how other North Carolina communities regulate such facilities and engage residents in the process.
Some speakers argued during the hearing that the proposed moratorium should be strengthened.
"We've made it clear what we want. We want these loopholes removed and we want the time to write a strong ordinance regulating all data centers," one speaker said.
Others warned that a longer moratorium could affect Research Triangle Park and its business community.
"On behalf of the 55,000 employees, the 400 companies that operate in RTP, I asked that the moratorium be passed as written," another speaker said.
A separate speaker challenged arguments that limiting data centers would hinder economic growth.
"Written, we are the city of medicine and the second smartest city in the US. So we are being told that if we don't accept this, that we are driving away from being employers, revenue, progress, our future when in reality the only thing we may be driving away is a parasitic relationship. Thank you. Bet," the speaker said.
Other municipalities like Orange, Chatham, and Cumberland County have implemented similar moratoriums on data centers.
The city of Durham has also implemented a moratorium on data centers, but county commissioners pointed out the difference between the two municipalities, including Research Triangle
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