York County SC nine-month data center moratorium

York County Council ordinance, final reading July 13, 2026 (6-0), effective on adoption: county will not accept site plans or issue special exceptions, conditional use permits or other land use/development approvals for new data centers (Chapter 155 definition, which includes cryptocurrency mining) in unincorporated areas; pending applications held in abeyance; exemption for developments with civil site plan approval before the effective date (limited to approved scope). Staff to set a study plan (noise, groundwater, utility rates, energy infrastructure, waste heat, adjacent properties), recommend independent experts, and return with zoning text amendments. Runs nine months from adoption (into April 2027) unless extended by council resolution. Preceded by the pending-ordinance doctrine invoked Feb. 6, 2026; first reading in June 2026. NOT ESTABLISHED: ordinance number, exact expiration date, outcome of extension discussion.