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.
Moore County
This restriction takes precedence while in effect. The rating below excludes temporary restrictions.
Slightly Pro-Data Center Policies
Moore County has enacted a two-year pause on most permits for new data centers and expansions. Existing facilities may continue operating.
Rating from Tennessee statewide as there are no scored current or future laws outside temporary restrictions for Moore County.
Specific to Moore County only.
current law · County measureAccording to local reporting, Moore County Metro Council gave final approval on April 20, 2026 to a data-center moratorium.Moore County Metro Council two-year moratorium on data centers and similar high-impact computing facilities (2026)
What this means
The measure would pause new data center projects and expansions across Moore County for two years, blocking most related permit applications during that time (new applications would stop). Existing facilities could keep operating, but the broad, 24-month pause would make building or expanding substantially harder.
Timing
- Ends
- Apr 19, 2028
Post-adoption reporting explicitly states the moratorium remains in place through April 19, 2028, unless lifted sooner or extended. This is a reported date, not one calculated from the two-year duration; adopted text was not reviewed.
People behind it
- Dexter Golden
Planning and Zoning Commission chairman who led discussion of permanent data-center standards during the moratorium.
Restrictions & requirementsHide restrictions & requirements2
Reported suspension of accepting and processing new applications, including special-use permits, conditional-use permits, zoning-map amendments, subdivision plats and building permits.
Reported coverage includes approvals needed to build, expand, or modify a data center, cryptocurrency mining facility, or similar high-impact computing operation.
Benefits & exceptionsHide benefits & exceptions1
Limited exception for interior renovations that do not expand capacity or change exterior appearance, according to post-adoption reporting.
Sources
Data provided by Regbase · Cookie preferences · Report missing data