The Raleigh City Council has approved a six‑month pause on new large data centers. This temporary pause, called a moratorium, gives the City time to study how big data centers affect things like water use, noise, and the environment. It also allows staff to update rules that guide how these facilities could be built in the future.
The moratorium is only in place for six months because Raleigh’s current regulations already address many of the impacts of developments like data centers.
What Happens Now
Over the next few months, City staff will review current rules and suggest changes. These changes will help make sure large data centers are held to standards that protect the public health and welfare.
Here are the main steps in the process and where you can participate:
Date | What Happens | Engagement Opportunities |
| Nov. 16 | Draft rules changes for the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) are anticipated to be available to review in the Text Change portal. | When the draft rules are posted in November, you can submit comments and questions online for two weeks. Subscribe to the UDO-Unified Development Ordinance email list to be notified when the public comment period opens. |
| Dec. 8 and Jan. 12, 2027 | The Planning Commission will review the comments and provide advice. | You can watch or speak during meetings in December and January. |
| Feb. 2, 2027 | Report of the Planning Commission to City Council. | |
| March 2, 2027 | The City Council will hold a public hearing. | You can sign up to speak at the public hearing. |
| April 6, 2027 | Council takes final action on draft text amendments; moratorium ends. |
Additional public information sessions on the proposed text amendments will be added to the schedule in the upcoming months. Those sessions will include public comment opportunities.
Anyone wishing to speak on the matter can also sign up for a City Council public comment session on the second and third Tuesdays of the month.
More information—including links and meeting dates—will be available on the Data Center FAQ page as updates are available.