By Coastal Carolina News Staff Writer
Horry County, SC — Horry County officials are reviewing a proposed zoning amendment that would establish the county’s first set of regulations for data‑center development. The draft ordinance is scheduled for discussion by the county’s infrastructure and planning subcommittee and is intended to define how large‑scale digital‑infrastructure facilities may be built, sized, and located in unincorporated areas.
Senior planner Desiree Jackson wrote that the county’s zoning code currently contains no specific provisions for data centers, leaving uncertainty as interest in such projects increases. The proposed amendment would create new standards for building size, placement, and compatibility with surrounding land uses.
Under the draft, data‑center buildings would be limited to between 80,000 and 200,000 square feet depending on the zoning district. Any facility exceeding those thresholds would require a special‑use exception. The report notes that large structures and associated equipment can affect nearby properties through noise, scale, and operational intensity, making clear definitions necessary for long‑term planning.
The proposal also includes separation requirements from residential districts and other sensitive areas. Officials said the standards are designed to ensure that high‑intensity digital‑infrastructure uses are placed in locations capable of supporting heavy electrical load, cooling systems, and continuous operations without conflicting with established neighborhoods.
Horry County’s review comes as state lawmakers consider multiple bills addressing data‑center development across South Carolina. One measure, S. 867, would create statewide permitting and operational‑efficiency requirements, including water‑use thresholds, environmental‑impact assessments, buffer rules, and decommissioning plans. Another bill, H5286, proposes a statewide moratorium on new data‑center approvals until January 1, 2028.
The amendment is scheduled to move through committee review before any potential consideration by the full council.
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