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Ypsilanti council adopts 60-day emergency moratorium on new data-center zoning permits
Summary
The city approved a 60-day emergency ordinance halting issuance of new data-center zoning permits while the planning commission completes broader policy work. Council members said the pause provides time to craft permanent rules and align with a previously adopted year-long moratorium intent.
The Ypsilanti City Council on Tuesday approved an emergency 60-day moratorium on issuance of new zoning permits for data centers to give the planning commission time to complete its review and to align local policy work with recently expressed city intent.
Council Member McClean moved the ordinance, noting the planning commission needed additional time; the motion was supported and approved on a roll-call vote. City staff said a prior one-year moratorium resolution set policy intent, and the emergency ordinance extends a narrow pause while staff and commissioners develop specific regulatory language and environmental review steps.
Presenters said municipalities commonly use emergency moratoria to prevent permit approvals while policy work is underway; councilors discussed a policy toolkit that includes options for zoning conditions, utility moratoria and standards for siting and infrastructure. Council members asked planning staff to coordinate with legal counsel and neighboring jurisdictions before returning a draft ordinance with proposed criteria.
The moratorium requires no immediate project rejections, but it prevents new permit approvals for the 60-day period. Councilors said they expect the planning commission to present refined recommendations and possible long-term zoning amendments before the emergency order expires.
