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.
Calhoun County
Anti-Data Center Policies
Calhoun County’s enacted code limits data centers to I-1 and I-2 industrial districts and requires special approval, plus 1.25 parking spaces per 1,000 square feet. The description calls the code proposed, conflicting with its enacted status.
current law · Unincorporated areasRegulates land use and development on all land and improvements in unincorporated Calhoun County, South Carolina, including building and land uses, zoning districts, subdivisions, parking, signs, utilities, infrastructure, and environmental impacts under Article I.Calhoun County Zoning & Development Code (2026)
What this means
The proposed code would allow data centers only in the I-1 and I-2 industrial districts, and would require special-exception approval from the Board of Zoning Appeals (data centers require special-exception approval). It also sets a parking requirement of 1.25 spaces per 1,000 square feet of floor area, creating added site costs; these siting and approval hurdles are significant, though they do not amount to a ban.
Restrictions & requirementsHide restrictions & requirements4
Data centers are listed as special-exception uses in the I-1 and I-2 districts, rather than as uses permitted by right. Data Centers—Special Exception
Before a zoning permit can be issued, a data center needs approval from the Board of Zoning Appeals as a special exception. The Board may impose conditions and considers factors including traffic, safety, noise, lighting, fumes, aesthetics, and the spacing and orientation of improvements. Data centers require special-exception approval Special-exception review factors
The parking table requires 1.25 spaces per 1,000 square feet of gross floor area for data centers. Data center parking requirement
A zoning permit is required before a building or structure is erected, moved, enlarged, or altered, and a certificate of zoning compliance is required before the property may be used or occupied. Zoning permit requirement Certificate before occupancy
Benefits & exceptionsHide benefits & exceptions1
Data centers, including cryptocurrency-mining operations, are listed as eligible by special exception in the I-1 and I-2 industrial districts; approval by the Board of Zoning Appeals is required, so this is not a by-right use. (Data Centers; require approval of the Board of Zoning Appeals)
Sources
Data provided by Regbase · Cookie preferences · Report missing data