Franklin County Updates Data Center Regulations

During the meeting on July 13, 2026, the Franklin County Board of Commissioners approved a Unified Development Ordinance amendment for data centers.

Let's break down what was approved, what it means, and what to watch for next.

The Summary

• County approved UDO Text Amendment 26-UDO-01
  • rules for data centers and cryptocurrency mining facilities
• No data centers proposed or planned in Franklin County
• Public hearing item on the Agenda
• Was passed after the Planning Board previously recommended approval unanimously (6-0)

Note: Franklin County is being proactive rather than reactive. 

What the Amendment Actually Does

• Defines what a “data center” is
• Created a new land use category that includes:
  • Data processing facilities
  • Cryptocurrency mining operations
• Limits these projects to Heavy Industrial zoning only.
• Requires a Tier 2 Conditional Zoning (CZ2) process, meaning:
  • Each project must be reviewed case-by-case
  • Final decision is made by commissioners through a legislative vote, not automatic approval

Jason Rogers, Planning and Inspection Director explained:

“This gives us a clear regulatory framework so we are not reacting after the fact.”

Key Requirements Developers Must Follow:

Location & Distance Protections

• Minimum 25 acres required
• Must be at least 1,000 feet away from:
  • Homes
  • Schools
  • Churches
  • Parks
  • Daycares
• Can’t be built:
  • In or within 1 mile of agricultural districts (VAD/EVAD)
  • Inside public water supply watersheds

Note: This directly ties to the county’s goal to:

“Protect neighboring properties and community character.”

Noise & Quality of Life

• Maximum noise limit: 60 dBA
  • That's about the level of normal conversation
• Developers must submit a professional noise study
• All operations must happen inside enclosed buildings
• Required mitigation like:
  • Sound walls
  • Equipment placement
  • Engineering controls

Note: This matters because crypto mining operations nationwide have raised major complaints about constant noise.

Buffers, Setbacks, and Design

• 150-foot setback from property lines
• 100-foot landscaped buffer required
• Strict tree planting rules including:
  • 5 Canopy trees (3’’ caliper minimum)
  • 12 Understory trees (2’’ caliper minimum)
  • 20 Evergreen trees (8 foot height minimum)
• Buildings capped at 35 feet tall
• Must be surrounded by a 6-foot fence

Note: These rules are meant to visually and physically separate these sites from communities.

Power & Infrastructure Requirements

• Developers must prove in writing that:
  • The electrical grid can handle the demand
  • It will not disrupt power for residents
• Must submit annual verification every year by January 31

Note: This is huge because data centers are known to consume massive amounts of electricity.

Community Input is REQUIRED

Before approval, developers must:

• Hold a neighborhood meeting
• Notify everyone within 1,000 feet
• Provide:
  • Meeting summary
  • Attendance list
• Meeting must happen:
  • In the evening
  • Near the proposed site

Note: This guarantees residents a voice early, not just at the final vote.

The Missing Piece: Water

One of the questions brought up during the meeting was about water usage.

Planning Director Jason Rogers explained the county left water regulations out of the UDO because it’s already in the Public Utilities Ordinance (Article 34).

He made it clear that they will likely need to revisit and update water allocation rules specifically for data centers.

Note: Water rules are coming next, and residents need to pay attention.

Why Commissioners Said Yes

• The amendment aligns with the county’s land use plan, especially:
  • Preventing incompatible development
  • Managing noise and industrial impacts
• Keeps full control in the hands of elected officials
• Allows flexibility to evaluate each project individually

Note: It is better to have strong rules in place now than scramble later.

What Residents Need to Know

• Future amendment on water usage and allocation are coming soon
• Watch for any rezoning requests in Heavy Industrial districts
• Franklin County Now Joins the Town of Butner on addressing data centers