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.
New Hanover County
Slightly Pro-Data Center Policies
North Carolina offers eligible data centers conditional tax savings on equipment, but electricity is no longer tax-exempt after the transition, raising costs for affected operators. The state also requires quarterly electricity-tax reporting; task forces study energy and water impacts but impose no direct operating rules.
Rating and summary from North Carolina statewide as there are no scored current or future laws outside temporary restrictions for New Hanover County.
current law · Unincorporated areasThe New Hanover County Unified Development Ordinance is identified as an adopted version dated February 2025 and updated April 29, 2025, but the supplied material does not describe its operative requirements, affected parties, exceptions, thresholds, or effective dates (adopted version).New Hanover County Unified Development Ordinance
Restrictions & requirementsHide restrictions & requirements1
Data centers may be established only in zoning districts where the UDO expressly allows them and must obtain any additional approval identified in the applicable use table; they are not permitted by right in all districts.
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