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Council debates 12‑month moratorium and review process for prospective data centers
Summary
Councilors discussed whether to impose a 12‑month moratorium or require council review before zoning approvals for new data centers, citing concerns about electricity, water use and limited local employment. Legal counsel present said shorter moratoria are more defensible and offered to draft language for council review.
New Franklin councilors spent a substantial portion of their April 1 meeting weighing whether to limit or more strictly review prospective data center developments.
Council members raised concerns about the power and water demands of data centers, the limited number of on‑site jobs such facilities typically provide, and how property‑tax receipts compare to demands on local utilities and infrastructure. One councilor said the city has seen neighboring jurisdictions adopt moratoria and asked whether a 12‑month pause to study impacts would be appropriate; another councilor said they did not want to 'close the door' on a potential opportunity without more information.
A law‑related advisor at the meeting (city legal counsel style speaker) said moratoria are legally sensitive but common; shorter moratoria are easier to defend and a 12‑month study period with clear language about objectives would be workable. The advisor offered to draft a moratorium concept and noted the city’s zoning code would require review to determine whether the council could reverse the typical zoning approval flow or require council approval before zoning actions proceed.
Council discussion also explored alternatives to a full moratorium, such as amending the zoning process so large‑scale proposals are routed to council for public hearing before final zoning approvals. Several members asked the mayor to circulate background materials and sample language used by nearby communities; staff agreed to prepare a draft and legal review for future consideration.
Outcome: No moratorium was adopted at this meeting. Council members asked staff and legal counsel to prepare draft language and background materials for subsequent consideration.
