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.
Nash County
This restriction takes precedence while in effect. The rating below excludes temporary restrictions.
Slightly Pro-Data Center Policies
Nash County has enacted a temporary moratorium that blocks development approvals for data centers, data-processing facilities, cryptocurrency mining operations, and similar high-impact uses.
Rating from North Carolina statewide as there are no scored current or future laws outside temporary restrictions for Nash County.
Specific to Nash County only.
current law · Unincorporated areas of Nash County.At its September 8, 2026 meeting, Nash County's Board adopted the moratorium ordinance following a public hearing.Nash County Temporary Moratorium on Data Centers, Data Processing Facilities, Cryptocurrency Mining Operations, and Similar High-Impact Land Uses (2026)
What this means
Analysis: a substantial temporary barrier from all covered development approvals being subject to the moratorium. Adoption is verified by official minutes, rather than remaining hypothetical.
Timing
- Ends
- Jun 30, 2027
The ordinance text commences September 8, 2026 and expires June 30, 2027 or on earlier approval of new zoning regulations addressing covered uses. Actual early termination or later amendment unverified.
People behind it
- Adam Tyson
Planning Director presenting the moratorium public hearing.
- Robbie B. Davis
Makes the adoption motion.
- Gwen Wilkins
Seconds the adoption motion.
Restrictions & requirementsHide restrictions & requirements2
All development approvals for data centers, data processing facilities, cryptocurrency mining operations and associated uses are subject to the moratorium.
The covered-use definition includes cryptocurrency mining, artificial intelligence computing, weather modeling, genome sequencing, application hosting, cloud storage, video and technical streaming services.
Sources
Specific to Nash County only.
pending · Unincorporated areas within Nash County's planning jurisdictionThe proposed UDO amendment would create a specific data-center land-use category and allow data centers only in General Industrial zoning districts with a Special Use Permit and quasi-judicial public hearing.Nash County Unified Development Ordinance Update—Proposed Data Center Land-Use Category and Standards (2026)
What this means
The proposal would allow data centers only in the General Industrial district and require a special-use permit, with large separation distances from property lines and sensitive uses (district and permit limits). It would also limit generator use and require public utility connections and capacity checks, creating significant barriers to finding suitable sites and operating a facility (data center standards).
People behind it
- Nash County Unified Development Ordinance Steering Committee
Vetted the proposed UDO updates through open meetings and approved the implementation actions and recommended changes.
- Nash County Planning Department
Participated in preparing and administering the UDO update and will support implementation and development review.
- Consulting team
Developed the recommended UDO updates and incorporated the Steering Committee’s approved changes into the ordinance.
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- Adam Culpepper
Identified as Project Manager and Director of Planning for the UDO update project.
- Daniel Rauh, AICP
Identified as a member of the consultant team responsible for the UDO update.
- Kayleigh Gill, PLA
Identified as the Landscape Architect on the consultant team responsible for the UDO update.
- Jennifer Nelson
Identified as a member of the consultant team responsible for the UDO update.
- Nash County Planning Board
Identified as a reviewing body in the UDO update process and received updates regarding administratively approved by-right major subdivisions.
- Nash County Board of Commissioners
Identified as a reviewing body in the UDO update process and received updates regarding administratively approved by-right major subdivisions.
Restrictions & requirementsHide restrictions & requirements11
Data centers are permitted only in the GI (General Industrial) zoning district.
Data centers require a Special Use Permit, including a quasi-judicial public hearing process.
A data center must be at least 500 feet from any lot line.
A data center must be at least 1,000 feet from a lot line in a residential zoning district containing existing residential structures.
A data center must be at least 2,000 feet from a public or private school, congregate care use, or child day-care use.
Data centers may not exceed 75 feet in height.
All data-center equipment must be fully screened, with tiered setbacks, buffers, and enhanced landscaping based on adjacent uses.
Use of generators at data centers is restricted to testing and emergency situations, and lighting impacts must be controlled.
Data centers must connect to public water, sewer, and power; groundwater wells and septic systems are not allowed.
Data centers must provide verification of available utility capacity.
Data centers must use the specified resuscitative cooling system.
Benefits & exceptionsHide benefits & exceptions2
Creates a defined data-center land-use category and expressly permits data centers in the GI: General Industrial District, subject to a Special Use Permit and quasi-judicial public hearing. This provides a specific legal pathway for approval, but limits locations to GI and requires the special-use process.
Allows roof-mounted solar without discouraging it through additional screening requirements, which can support on-site energy generation for data-center facilities.
Sources
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