Charlotte launches public survey as data-center moratorium enters its policy-writing phase

Charlotte has opened a public survey on data centers as a city task force develops possible policy recommendations before the current moratorium expires on November 5, 2026.

The survey launched August 25 and will remain open through Friday, October 2. The deadline comes during the moratorium’s final 75-day policy-development phase, which began August 23.

Residents can weigh in through October 2

The City of Charlotte is seeking community input about data centers and the issues officials should consider when evaluating possible local policy changes. The survey is part of the city’s broader engagement process, which also includes community sessions and task-force meetings.

Submitting a response will not adopt new regulations or extend the moratorium. Residents have until October 2 to provide feedback through the city’s survey.

What the moratorium does

Charlotte City Council approved a 150-day moratorium on data centers on June 8, 2026. Under the city’s current schedule, it expires on November 5, 2026.

The moratorium means Charlotte is temporarily not accepting applications for new data centers. It does not halt approved development projects or existing operations.

According to the city’s FAQ, data-center projects that had submitted full and complete applications or had already been approved before June 8 may continue being built and operated as planned. Existing data centers may also continue operating during the moratorium.

Task force is developing possible recommendations

A community task force is meeting to prepare possible data-center policy recommendations for consideration by city officials. The city says the group is scheduled to meet seven times during the moratorium period.

The task force’s recommendations would not by themselves change Charlotte law. If officials pursue zoning or City Code amendments, those proposals would have to follow the city’s legislative process, which may include a public hearing and a City Council vote.

No new data-center rules have been adopted through the survey or the task force’s work described by the city.

Water, energy and infrastructure remain under review

City materials identify infrastructure capacity, water consumption, cooling systems, energy demand and related oversight as subjects officials are examining as they consider possible policy options.

Those are issues under review, not final findings. The current process does not establish that specific harms have been confirmed or that Charlotte has adopted a particular regulatory response.

What Charlotte residents should watch

The immediate deadline is October 2, when the public survey closes. The city has also listed task-force meetings through September 24, including sessions scheduled for September 3, September 10, September 17 and September 24.

Residents should watch for any proposed code changes, public-hearing notice or City Council action before the November 5 expiration date. The process could produce a recommendation, a proposed amendment or no change before the moratorium ends.

Sources

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