Augusta commission extends moratorium on new data-center applications, schedules three public hearings

The Augusta-Richmond County Commission on July 21 voted unanimously to extend a temporary moratorium on new data-center applications for 60 days and to schedule three public hearings in the city to gather public input on proposed zoning rules for data centers.

The vote followed several hours of public testimony from residents, community groups and technical presenters who urged the commission to slow the process. “I respectfully ask that the moratorium be extended for 180 days,” said Zakia Mabberry, one of more than a dozen speakers during an extended public-comment block that focused on proposed projects and the draft ordinance. Residents raised concerns about large water demands, low-frequency noise, potential impacts on drinking- and wastewater systems, and how public comments would be handled.

Planning Director Cameron told the commission staff has prepared draft regulations but recommended additional outreach and mapping work before adopting final rules. Several commissioners said they wanted more time for staff to incorporate public input and for the commission to visit operating data centers. The final motion, amended during the meeting, directs staff to convene three public hearings (locations enumerated during the meeting) and to return with an ordinance after the 60-day period. The commission also directed staff to provide public-facing documentation and follow-up on where and how submitted comments are considered.

Supporters and opponents of data-center development framed their positions around jobs and tax revenue on one side and environmental justice, noise, and water-resource concerns on the other. Minister Siobhan Williams, executive director of Partners for Faith and Justice, said Augusta must “pause with all the unapproved permits for QTS and decide what’s best for our community.” A number of speakers pointed to federal and state review processes — including a federal comment period on wetlands the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers posted earlier this year — and asked the commission to ensure those processes are integrated into local review.

The moratorium extension takes effect immediately and will cover new applications while staff and commissioners complete the additional public engagement called for in the motion. The commission will reconvene items tied to data-center zoning after that period; the motion also authorizes staff to set two site tours and prepare additional outreach materials.