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Councilmember seeks moratorium on data-center permits, citing energy and land-use risks
Summary
Councilmember Slife introduced Ordinance 5-56-2026 to pause data-center permits and certificates of occupancy in Cleveland so the city can study energy, water and land-use impacts; several council members voiced support and asked staff for regulatory options and possible taxation of existing facilities.
Councilmember Charles Slife introduced Ordinance 5-56-2026 at the Cleveland City Council meeting, proposing a moratorium on the review and issuance of zoning permits, certificates of occupancy and related approvals for data centers in the city.
"This ordinance, if passed, would afford Cleveland City Hall an opportunity to analyze this land use and establish regulations that are in the common good," Slife said, arguing that hyperscale data centers can be highly energy- and water‑intensive and may require major upgrades to transmission and water systems. He cited industry estimates and policies used elsewhere as the rationale for pausing new…
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