Covington, GA City Council Implements 180-Day Moratorium on New Data Center Requests
The Covington, GA City Council has implemented a 180-day moratorium on new data center requests in response to public concerns, allowing time to review zoning ordinances. The proposed revisions aim to require special use permits for data centers in M1 and M2 zones, which previously allowed automatic approvals, and will be discussed by the planning commission starting February 2026. This decision follows similar local moratoriums and ongoing discussions by the Newton County Board of Commissioners regarding data center zoning.
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The City of Covington, GA, has enacted a 180-day moratorium on new data center requests following public concerns. This moratorium halts new requests while the city reviews its zoning ordinances. The revision aims to require special use permits for data centers in M1 and M2 zones, which previously allowed automatic approvals.
The ordinance revision proposal was introduced by Council Member Travis Moore, who seeks to enhance regulations and create buffer zones from residential areas. The current zoning ordinance, effective September 2023, permits data centers in M1, M2, and other mixed-use zones with specific conditions.
The planning commission will address the ordinance revision, with discussions anticipated to begin in February 2026. This follows other local moratoriums, including a 90-day extension in Social Circle. The Newton County Board of Commissioners is also addressing data center zoning issues amid increasing annexation requests for such developments.
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