Charleston WV proposed data center ordinance
Charleston, WV — Councilmember Emmett Pepper Introduces Ordinance to Regulate Data Centers Below the HB 2014 Threshold (October 5, 2026)
Charleston, WV · Charleston, WV — Councilmember Emmett Pepper Introduces Ordinance to Regulate Data Centers Below the HB 2014 Threshold (October 5, 2026)
- Status
- Proposed / pending
- Applies to
- Data center developers and applicants in Charleston, WV
A Charleston, West Virginia city council member introduced an ordinance to regulate future data centers. It focuses on noise limits, distance from homes, schools and churches, community benefit agreements, and a public process with notice and input. It targets smaller data centers, because state law (HB 2014) exempts those using 90 megawatts or more from local zoning.
Who is protected: Charleston, WV residents
Legal detail
Charleston (WV) City Council — ordinance introduced Monday Oct. 5, 2026 by Councilmember Emmett Pepper (with co-sponsors) regulating data centers: noise, separation from homes/schools/churches, community benefit agreements (e.g., energy-cost assistance), transparent process with public input. Applies below the 90 MW threshold above which WV HB 2014 (2025) preempts local zoning. No data centers currently proposed in Charleston. NOT ESTABLISHED: bill number, committee referral, vote schedule.
Key facts
| Jurisdiction | Charleston, WV |
|---|---|
| Level | City / local |
| Citation | Charleston, WV — Councilmember Emmett Pepper Introduces Ordinance to Regulate Data Centers Below the HB 2014 Threshold (October 5, 2026) |
| Private right of action | No, agency enforcement only |
| Topics | data-center siting and energy |
| News report | Charleston councilman proposes ordinance to regulate future data centers — WCHS (Oct. 6, 2026) |
Related data-center siting and energy rules elsewhere
- Superior WI Data Center Moratorium (1-year) · In effect
- Dane County WI Hyperscale Data Center Moratorium · In effect
- Madison WI Data Center Moratorium (1-year) · In effect
- Manitowoc County WI Data Center Moratorium · In effect
- WA SB 5982 (Data Center / Clean Energy) · In effect
- Dayton OH data center moratorium (180-day, Apr 2026) · In effect
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