Dearborn Heights council approves 365-day moratorium on data centers to allow zoning and impact review

Dearborn Heights — Concerned about the infrastructure, environmental and zoning implications of data centers, the City Council on Feb. 24 approved a 365-day moratorium on new data center development to give staff time to draft regulations and hold public hearings.

Councilman Wensel introduced a resolution seeking an immediate moratorium, citing uncertainty over zoning language and possible impacts to adjacent residential properties. "Data centers are becoming a major concern with cities around the country," he said, noting questions about generators, water usage for cooling and strain on the electrical grid.

City legal and planning staff advised that a temporary moratorium would buy time to develop regulations and run the item through planning commission and public hearings; staff estimated the regulatory process could take several months. Council members debated 180 days versus a full year; the sponsor amended his motion to 365 days and the council approved the amended moratorium by voice vote.

The moratorium directs staff to draft zoning amendments, identify infrastructure implications (power, water and noise), and schedule public hearings. Council members said they did not oppose data centers categorically but want rules in place before new projects are permitted.