Loading map…
Regbase

The Data Center Divide

Cherokee County

This restriction takes precedence while in effect. The rating below excludes temporary restrictions.

Slightly Pro-Data Center Policies

Cherokee County’s temporary moratoriums pause new data-center applications in unincorporated areas, with the 180-day extension excluding projects already approved or underway. Existing operations are not restricted, and the pause is not a permanent ban.

Rating from Georgia statewide as there are no scored current or future laws outside temporary restrictions for Cherokee County.

Specific to Cherokee County only.

current law · County measure
Pauses acceptance of new data center applications in Cherokee County for 30 days while the county develops regulations specifically for data center development.Cherokee County 30-day data center moratorium resolution (2026)

What this means

The county adopted a 30-day pause on new data center applications, delaying new projects during that period. The county discussed seeking a longer extension, but the sources do not say that extension was adopted; the pause does not itself restrict existing data center operations.

Timing

Ends
30 days after adoption

The moratorium was adopted on 2026-07-21 and applies to new data center applications. A public hearing is scheduled for 2026-08-18 to consider extending it; county staff expect to request a 180-day extension, but the sources do not state that the extension has been adopted.

People behind it

  • Adopted the 30-day moratorium on accepting new data center applications.

  • Assigned staff to research data center regulations and help develop an ordinance.

  • Assigned to work with the Community Development Agency on developing the data center ordinance.

Restrictions & requirementsHide restrictions & requirements1

  • A 30-day moratorium prohibits Cherokee County from accepting new applications related to data centers.

Sources

current law · Unincorporated areas
Pauses Cherokee County’s acceptance of applications for data center-related permits and land-use approvals for 180 days.Cherokee County 180-day data center moratorium extension resolution (2026)

What this means

The measure pauses new data-center-related permit and zoning applications in unincorporated Cherokee County for 180 days, making new projects substantially harder during that period. Previously approved or in-process projects are excluded, and the pause is temporary, so it is not a permanent ban.

Timing

Ends
180 days after adoption (through mid-February 2027)

The board may extend the moratorium or end it early, and may adopt regulations during the moratorium. The 180 days would run through mid February.

People behind it

  • Introduced the moratorium resolution as Community Development Director. introduced the item

  • Moved the motion to extend the moratorium. made the motion

  • Seconded the motion to extend the moratorium. seconded

Show 1 more peopleShow fewer people

  • Adopted the 180-day extension by unanimous vote. voted unanimously to extend

Restrictions & requirementsHide restrictions & requirements4

  • For 180 days, through mid-February 2027, Cherokee County pauses acceptance of applications related to data centers for permits, land disturbance, land-use amendments, rezoning, conditional-use permits, variances, and public hearings. The board may extend the moratorium or end it early. The resolution covers these application types.

  • The moratorium does not disturb data centers already approved or projects that had already applied for development review; the source reports none were in either category when the resolution passed. Previously approved projects and applications are excluded.

  • The county moratorium applies only to unincorporated Cherokee County, not the separately governed cities. The moratorium covers unincorporated Cherokee County only.

  • A separate approved rezoning for a specific property at 14071 Cumming Highway prohibits data centers as a use under that zoning. The data-center prohibition travels with the zoning.

Benefits & exceptionsHide benefits & exceptions1

  • The moratorium does not disturb data centers previously approved or already in development review. The article says there were none in either category when the measure was adopted.

Sources

Data provided by Regbase · Cookie preferences · Report missing data