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.
Clarendon County
This restriction takes precedence while in effect. The rating below excludes temporary restrictions.
Mixed Data Center Policies
Clarendon County has enacted a six-month pause on approvals for data centers outside Industrial I or II zones; existing facilities and projects in those zones are unaffected. The description calls the measure both enacted and “if enacted.”
Rating from South Carolina statewide as there are no scored current or future laws outside temporary restrictions for Clarendon County.
Specific to Clarendon County only.
current law · County measure: Reported as countywide, but also described as applying outside Industrial I or Industrial II zoning districts; the county industrial park is not directly affected, and whether incorporated areas are included is unclear.Clarendon County's Ordinance 2026-18 concerns a moratorium on the consideration and issuance of all other land use or development approvals for data centers and battery energy storage systems.Clarendon County Ordinance #2026-18 (2026)
What this means
If enacted, the measure would pause approvals for six months for data centers outside Industrial I or II zones, delaying or blocking those projects. Existing data centers could keep operating and projects in those zones would be unaffected, making this a significant but limited barrier.
Timing
- Ends
- 180 days after adoption
The moratorium is also described as ending six months after it takes effect; the source wording differs on the timing and starting point.
People behind it
- Clarendon County Planning Commission
Unanimously recommended the six-month data center moratorium.
- Clarendon County Council
Advanced the moratorium and unanimously passed its third and final reading.
Restrictions & requirementsHide restrictions & requirements1
A six-month moratorium pauses consideration and issuance of land-use or development approvals for data centers outside areas zoned Industrial I or Industrial II. Projects in those industrial zones are exempt; the county industrial park is also described as unaffected. The moratorium also covers battery energy storage systems.
Benefits & exceptionsHide benefits & exceptions2
The six-month moratorium does not apply to data centers in Industrial I or Industrial II zones, but they must still meet applicable requirements.
The moratorium has no direct bearing on the county industrial park, so it does not impose the same pause there.
Sources
Data provided by Regbase · Cookie preferences · Report missing data