Fairfield County SC 12-month data center moratorium (Ord. 856)

Fairfield County, S.C. — ORDINANCE 856 approved by County Council Monday, Sept. 14, 2026 (WLTX; WIS also says approved Sept. 14). TERM: 12 months per both outlets; no effective or sunset date stated, so effective_date/expires_date left null (expected to run to roughly Sept. 2027). OPERATIVE CONTENT per WLTX: county will not negotiate with data-center developers during the 12-month period; purpose is to gather information, hear residents and experts, and develop potential regulations before deciding whether data centers can be accommodated. WIS: objectives are assessing power, water and road impacts, updating the Land Management Ordinance, and resident input; applications resume after the window. OFFICIAL SCHEDULE (county PDF, 'October 2026-June 2027'): Town Hall #1 Ridgeway Oct. 22, 2026; council data center tour Nov. 2026; Town Hall #2 Jenkinsville Jan. 7, 2027; Town Hall #3 Winnsboro Jan. 21, 2027; expert work sessions Feb. 4 / Feb. 18 (if needed); Planning Commission work sessions Feb. 25 / Mar. 11 (if needed); Planning Commission meeting & public hearing Mar. 25; council draft first reading Apr. 12, second reading & public hearing May 10, third reading June 14, 2027. NOT ESTABLISHED: vote count; reading history (a Aug. 18 The State headline says a 12-month moratorium 'passes' in an SC county, likely an earlier reading, not opened); whether pending applications are exempt; scope beyond 'no negotiation'.