The Data Center Divide
A policy snapshot ahead of the 2026 midterms. Mapping data center incentives, restrictions, and bans through legislation, regulations, and executive actions across all 50 states and 1,462 local jurisdictions.
Town of Cary
This restriction takes precedence while in effect. The rating below excludes temporary restrictions.
Slightly Pro-Data Center Policies
Cary has enacted an 18-month pause on data-center approvals, with a reported exception for collocated equipment under one megawatt.
Rating from North Carolina statewide as there are no scored current or future laws outside temporary restrictions for Town of Cary.
current law · Municipal data-center development approvals; exact territorial/ETJ clause unverified. Reported scope.Cary Town Council unanimously approved an 18-month moratorium on data centers Thursday evening, at the August 27, 2026 hearing.North Carolina Cary Data Center Moratorium (2026)
What this means
Analysis: the reported 18-month approval pause is a substantial temporary barrier, limited by the reported sub-one-megawatt collocated-equipment exception.
Timing
18-month moratorium effective immediately and scheduled through February 2028. Exact legal expiration day and any later extension or termination remain unverified.
People behind it
- Heather Whelehan
Cary planning and community development director explaining the study.
- Lori Bush
Mayor Pro Tem who raises water concerns.
Restrictions & requirementsHide restrictions & requirements2
Temporarily suspends development approvals, rezoning applications, development plans and building permits associated with data centers seeking to locate in the town.
The reported 18-month duration delays covered development during regulatory study.
Benefits & exceptionsHide benefits & exceptions1
Reported exception for enterprise, small-scale, collocated data processing equipment drawing less than one megawatt. Exact enacted wording remains unverified.
Sources
Data provided by Regbase · Cookie preferences · Report missing data