The Fayetteville City Council voted unanimously to advance a potential moratorium on data center developments following an Oct. 19 special meeting. The decision marks a critical step in a months-long debate concerning the industry's local footprint.
During the 11 a.m. special session, city officials and legal counsel presented regulatory frameworks, data center research findings and community feedback collected during public sessions held in September. Concerns from residents have primarily centered on environmental and infrastructure impacts, specifically water consumption, noise levels, and heavy electricity demands.
Nick Tosco, a local government and land use attorney with the law firm Poyner Spruill, delivered a legal review to the council. Tosco outlined recommendations for updating the city's Unified Development Ordinance text amendments to govern data centers more strictly.
Following the presentations, council members approved scheduling a formal public hearing regarding the proposed data center moratorium ordinance. City staff members were directed to draft the ordinance for review prior to the upcoming public hearing.
The council previously authorized a 120-day study in April to evaluate expert analysis and visit operational facilities across North Carolina and Virginia.
For further information, visit www.fayettevillenc.gov/UDOamendments.

Cumberland County
The Cumberland County Board of Commissioners moved forward with local administrative updates and community recognitions over the last two weeks following an agenda session and a regular meeting.
A highlight of the regularly scheduled meeting on Oct. 19 was the presentation of certificates to graduates of the 2026 Citizens' Academy. Spearheaded by the county's public information office, the six-week program provides local residents with a behind-the-scenes perspective on county operations, featuring departmental tours and direct discussions with county leadership. Officials noted the program directly aligns with the board’s ongoing strategic objective to foster responsive and transparent local government.
The board also recognized the Cumberland County Department of Social Services for securing a statewide accolade. The agency received the 2026 Innovation Award in the large-county division from the North Carolina Association of County Directors of Social Services. Social Services Director Brenda Jackson presented the honor, which specifically celebrated the agency’s collaborative work with the Professional Advisory Council and the Multidisciplinary Team Council. The cooperative model integrates local law enforcement, school systems, medical professionals and military officials to enhance child abuse investigations and family support structures.
The board's administrative activities coincide with the ongoing 2026 general election cycle. Early in-person voting began across Cumberland County on Oct. 15 and is scheduled to run through Oct. 31, with board seats up for election on the Nov. 3 ballot.

Cumberland County Joint Planning Board
The first draft of potential regulations for data centers, including restrictions on location, noise, water use and power generation, went before the Cumberland County Joint Planning Board on Tuesday, Oct. 20.
In the presentation to the planning board, the framework would limit data centers to industrial zoning districts and require approval through conditional zoning. Facilities with power generation beyond emergency backup would face narrower location restrictions. Nuclear power would be prohibited.
Other considerations included that general setbacks would total 800 feet, increasing to 1,200 feet near residential zoning or uses and within designated agricultural buffers. Facilities would generally need 2,000 feet of separation from schools, hospitals, nursing homes, day care facilities and places of worship. Certain industrial locations could qualify for standard district setbacks. Sites would need landscaping and opaque screening 50 feet wide and 15 feet high when installed. Operators would provide a contact available around the clock.
Data centers would remain subject to the county’s noise ordinance, with no waivers or exemptions. Applications would require certification from an independent acoustic engineer, and expansions would trigger additional studies. Maintenance and testing would occur from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays, excluding holidays.
Water would come from public utilities, with recycled, closed-loop cooling required. Water and electricity providers would submit assurances addressing capacity, infrastructure and service impacts. Direct withdrawals from waterways would be prohibited.
The draft will go before the Cumberland County Board of Commissioners at a future meeting.

North Carolina General Assembly
North Carolina lawmakers remain in recess as the focus shifts to campaigning ahead of the November midterm elections, leaving several high-profile legislative battles on hold.
The legislative pause followed a flurry of activity just before mid-October, when Republican leaders called an emergency extra session to address rising fuel costs. Lawmakers swiftly passed a bill temporarily suspending the state’s gasoline tax. The tax relief is scheduled to expire at the end of November.
As a result of the election recess, bills concerning unauthorized public camping and hemp regulations remain stalled.

About the Greater Fayetteville Chamber
Advocacy is a cornerstone of the Greater Fayetteville Chamber. Every week, the Chamber dedicates staff to attend City of Fayetteville and Cumberland County meetings as well as monitoring updates on the state and federal levels. We monitor legislation locally, statewide and federally to protect our community’s business interests. With 91% of U.S. adults recognizing a Chamber of Commerce's impact on growth, membership ensures a strong voice shaping policies, driving economic success and building a thriving business community—together. To learn more, visit www.faybiz.com or email jmclaughlin@faybiz.com.