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.
City of Kings Mountain
This restriction takes precedence while in effect. The rating below excludes temporary restrictions.
Pro-Data Center Policies
Kings Mountain has enacted an extension of its pause on permits for new data centers, delaying new projects; exemptions apply to some projects with qualifying permits or agreements. The description gives conflicting extension lengths of six or twelve months.
Rating from Cleveland County as there are no scored current or future laws outside temporary restrictions for City of Kings Mountain.
current law · City of Kings MountainEstablishes a temporary moratorium on new data-center development to give Kings Mountain time to research, plan for, and develop enforceable standards addressing infrastructure, site design, and community impacts, as reflected in the February 24, 2026 meeting minutes.City of Kings Mountain data-center moratorium (adopted February 24, 2026; reported extension)
What this means
The proposal would extend the pause on permits for new data centers by either six or twelve months, delaying new projects. The existing moratorium exempts projects with certain valid permits or agreements, but it still creates a major barrier for new development during the extension. extend the existing moratorium
Timing
- Ends
- Aug 24, 2027
The moratorium on new data center development is scheduled to remain in effect through this date, unless terminated earlier by the City Council based on significant progress in the review or applicable state or federal legislation or regulations.
People behind it
- Henry Earle
Planning Director and Assistant City Manager who presented the request for the data-center moratorium and explained the proposed review process.
- Annie Thombs
Councilmember who made the motion to adopt Ordinance 26-11 establishing the 182-day data-center moratorium.
- Heather Lemmond
Councilmember who seconded the motion to adopt Ordinance 26-11.
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- Kings Mountain City Council
Legislative body that established the temporary moratorium and is responsible for reviewing and adopting data-center development standards.
Restrictions & requirementsHide restrictions & requirements3
A temporary moratorium prohibits the City from issuing permits for new data centers. The moratorium began February 24, 2026, and is currently scheduled to remain in effect through August 24, 2027.
New data-center developments may be submitted during the moratorium, but the City will not evaluate them until the moratorium ends.
The moratorium does not apply to developments that already have a valid development permit, a site-specific vesting plan, or a development agreement in place.
Benefits & exceptionsHide benefits & exceptions1
Projects with a valid development permit, a site-specific vesting plan, or a development agreement are exempt from the moratorium and may proceed under those existing approvals (valid permit for development).
Sources
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