COUNTY EXTENDS REVIEW PERIOD FOR LARGE-SCALE DATA CENTERS
Published on August 31, 2026
DOUGHERTY COUNTY EXTENDS REVIEW PERIOD FOR LARGE-SCALE DATA CENTER DEVELOPMENT
The Dougherty County Board of Commissioners voted during a special called meeting Monday, Aug. 31, to extend its review period before allowing new large-scale data center development in unincorporated Dougherty County, giving county officials additional time to study potential zoning regulations, utility demands and impacts on surrounding residents and businesses.
The resolution passed by a 6-1 vote and continues the temporary moratorium for up to 180 days, through Feb. 27, 2027, unless the Board takes action to end it sooner or new zoning regulations addressing data center development become effective.
The additional review period will allow the county to carefully evaluate potential zoning and land-use standards and consider several issues associated with large-scale data center development, including:
• Water and electricity demands
• Noise and potential environmental impacts
• Land-use and zoning considerations
• Infrastructure and public service needs
• Potential impacts on surrounding residents and businesses
The Albany-Dougherty Planning Commission is currently preparing proposed amendments to the Albany-Dougherty Zoning Ordinance related to data centers. The review also involves Planning & Development Services, the county attorney and other appropriate county officials. During the temporary moratorium, the county will not accept new applications or requests for data center development within unincorporated Dougherty County, including applications for rezoning, special-use permits, development permits, site plans, building permits and other related development approvals.
The Board initially approved a 45-day review period and temporary moratorium on July 20. The extension provides additional time for county officials to study the issue and develop appropriate regulations before considering new large-scale data center development.