Local leaders are trying to decide how they want to regulate data centers in the area.
YORK COUNTY, S.C. โ The debate over how to regulate data centers in York County is ongoing after county leaders approved the second reading of a proposed ordinance, only to send it back to the planning committee for further review following a lengthy discussion.
The ordinance outlines new requirements for data centers, including regulations on building height, lighting and reflectivity. County leaders say the goal is to balance economic growth with community concerns as large-scale developments move into the area.
For nearly 60 years, Penland Christmas Tree Farm has been a holiday tradition for many families. Now, its owner worries a proposed data center campus could threaten the business.
โI feel this is going to take away from the country atmosphere,โ Steve Penland, owner of Penland Christmas Tree Farm, said.
Penlandโs 95-acre farm sits near Lake Wylie, where QTS is planning a nine-building data center campus along Campbell Road and Hand Mill Highway. Once completed, the development would border the property.
โThe noise levels, the water usage and the drain on our electric grid,โ Penland said, describing his concerns about the project.
Across York County, residents have raised similar concerns, including potential impacts related to noise, lighting, environmental effects and strain on infrastructure.
Those concerns are now shaping how county leaders approach new regulations.
โThereโs no blueprint out there that says here is the perfect way to do it, so weโre putting together things we think work,โ said York County Council member William โBumpโ Roddey, who represents District 4.
After approving the ordinance on second reading, council members voted to send it back to the planning committee for additional evaluation.
โWe want to get as close to perfect as we can, we know we wonโt cover every aspect of the community,โ Roddey said.
There is currently no timeline for when the ordinance will return to council for a third reading.
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