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Aurora adopts 180‑day moratorium on data centers and warehouses while zoning rules are rewritten
Summary
Council voted to adopt a temporary moratorium on new data center and warehouse approvals citywide for up to 180 days while staff crafts a distinct data-center zoning category, with exemptions for completed applications and hardship appeals.
The Aurora City Council on Sept. 25 adopted an ordinance imposing a temporary moratorium of up to 180 days on approvals for data center facilities and warehouses while staff develops rules that separately address data centers’ impacts.
“Right now we don’t have a data center category for zoning. We only have a warehouse category,” Tracy Vasek, Zoning and Planning Director, told the council during a presentation. The council approved the moratorium by voice and roll call after a motion from Alderman Mesiakos and a second from Alderman Larson.
Why it matters: Developers had been submitting data‑center projects under the existing warehouse zoning category. City attorneys and planning staff said the moratorium will give Aurora time to develop a specific “data center” text amendment that can set standards for noise mitigation, energy and water use, siting and public‑health protections.
Public comments and concerns: Dozens of residents and local advocates urged swift action. Ankit Srivastava, a Ward 10 resident, said data centers near homes have caused noise and vibration and asked the council to “enforce a moratorium on the new data center construction near residential zones, revised zoning ordinances to reflect the true nature and impact of data centers, require full transparency in city agreements with data center operators, and prioritize community health.” Mavis Bates, chair of the Sustainable Aurora Mayor’s Advisory Board, recommended an 80‑ to 180‑day moratorium and raised concerns about water and electricity use, saying data centers “are using up electricity at an alarming rate, causing rate spikes.” Laura Evans and other residents described persistent noise and generator testing that they said has diminished quality of life.
Staff clarifications and exceptions: Dana Wysocki, corporation counsel, said the ordinance was revised to clarify the city’s home‑rule authority and to note that completed, vested zoning applications submitted before the moratorium’s effective date will be processed under the existing rules. The ordinance also includes two mechanisms for applicants affected by the pause: a conditional processing option for applicants willing to accept new requirements, and a hardship appeal process that allows the Planning and Zoning Commission and council to consider relief for applicants who can demonstrate substantial, vested investment.
Planning and next steps: Vasek told the council that the Planning and Zoning Commission held a public hearing the previous evening and voted unanimously to recommend the moratorium. Staff said they will consult with sustainability and industry stakeholders and form an ad hoc or working group to draft the new zoning category and guardrails; the council asked that the sustainability advisory board be consulted. The moratorium may be lifted sooner than 180 days if staff completes the text amendment and council adopts it.
Council vote: The ordinance (agenda item 250,731) was adopted by council vote after the motion by Alderman Mesiakos and second by Alderman Larson; the clerk called the roll and it passed. The ordinance is effective immediately and contains language allowing the council to lift it earlier if the new rules are ready.
Distinct discussion vs. decision: The council took a formal action (adoption of the moratorium ordinance). Staff and counsel provided direction on process, and the council directed staff to develop a data center zoning classification and consult sustainability and industry stakeholders.
