Woodfin and Black Mountain Implement Data Center Regulations Amid Growing Concerns
Woodfin and Black Mountain have enacted new regulations to address potential data center development. These measures aim to mitigate concerns related to electricity and water demand, noise pollution, and community infrastructure strain.

In May, Woodfin implemented a 12-month moratorium on new data centers, allowing for updates to its land development ordinance, while Black Mountain approved zoning standards limiting data centers to heavy industrial areas. Both towns aim to proactively regulate the anticipated growth of server farms linked to AI and cryptocurrency mining, citing concerns over utility demands and environmental impacts.
The Black Mountain ordinance mandates a quarter-mile distance from residential areas and imposes noise restrictions of 50 decibels at property boundaries. These moves align with similar regulatory actions in nearby municipalities, reflecting a regional trend in managing digital infrastructure growth. Continued scrutiny of utility costs and community impacts is essential as local governments navigate these developments.




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