Residents push moratorium; commissioners direct staff to research ordinance changes

A steady stream of public comments at a Columbia County workshop called on commissioners to pause new data-center applications until technical and legal questions are resolved.

Several speakers recommended a temporary moratorium. Taylor Satterfield, a lifetime resident, said a moratorium would “give us time to get studies done” and avoid rushed approvals. Others, including Kayla Duncan and Heidi Walker, cited local vulnerability — private wells, karst topography and tourism tied to springs — and urged strict permitting rules or an outright ban.

County staff and legal advisors explained that a moratorium is a procedural pause that prevents staff from accepting applications while the county updates land-development regulations. Joel (county staff) said moratoriums are not bans but can be used to create the regulatory framework to justify later denial if there are valid legal reasons. Several commissioners said they would pursue research on moratorium language and patient rulemaking before any approvals.

Commissioners repeatedly emphasized they would require special exceptions or bring projects before the full board rather than allow unreviewed administrative approvals. No formal ordinance or moratorium was enacted at the meeting; staff committed to return with researched options and a timeline for public hearings.