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Regbase

The Data Center Divide

Dougherty County

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

Slightly Pro-Data Center Policies

Dougherty County has enacted temporary pauses on data-center zoning applications, including a pause of up to 180 days in unincorporated areas while officials consider rules. These delays are not a permanent ban.

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

Specific to Dougherty County only.

current law · County measure
Pauses Dougherty County’s acceptance and approval of data center zoning applications for 45 days while officials consider new rules.Georgia Dougherty County Data Center Moratorium Resolution (July 20, 2026)

What this means

The measure would temporarily stop the county from accepting or approving data center zoning applications for 45 days while officials consider new rules (a 45-day review period). That creates a significant short-term barrier, though the pause is limited and the county says there are no pending data center applications.

Timing

Ends
45 days after approval

The moratorium temporarily suspends accepting and approving data center zoning applications for 45 days. The Board may consider extending it if additional time is needed, subject to Georgia's public notice and hearing requirements.

People behind it

  • Approved the 45-day moratorium on accepting and approving data center zoning applications.

  • County Attorney responsible for participating in the review and developing proposed regulations for the Board's consideration.

  • Will work with the County Attorney and county staff to develop proposed data center regulations.

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  • Will assist the County Attorney and Planning Commission in developing proposed data center regulations.

  • Will review the proposed regulations before they proceed through the Board's legislative process.

Restrictions & requirementsHide restrictions & requirements1

  • A 45-day moratorium prohibits Dougherty County from accepting or approving zoning applications for data centers while officials review whether specific regulations are needed.

Sources

current law · Unincorporated area
Prohibits new data-center development applications and related approvals in unincorporated Dougherty County for up to 180 days, through February 27, 2027, unless the county ends the moratorium sooner.Georgia Dougherty County Large-Scale Data Center Moratorium Extension Resolution (August 31, 2026)

What this means

The measure would pause new data center applications in unincorporated Dougherty County for up to 180 days, delaying construction and expansion while the county considers rules (temporary moratorium for up to 180 days). It is a serious short-term barrier, but not a permanent ban on building or operating data centers.

Timing

Ends
Feb 27, 2027

The temporary moratorium continues for up to 180 days, through 2027-02-27, unless the Board ends it sooner or new zoning regulations addressing data center development become effective.

People behind it

  • Proposed, considered, and adopted the temporary moratorium on large-scale data center development.

Restrictions & requirementsHide restrictions & requirements1

  • A temporary moratorium prohibits new large-scale data center development in unincorporated Dougherty County for up to 180 days, through February 27, 2027, unless ended earlier by the Board or superseded by effective zoning regulations. During the moratorium, the County will not accept or process related rezoning requests, special-use permits, development permits, site plans, building permits, or other development approvals.

Sources

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