Pembroke Park board votes to recommend restrictions, fees for data centers and AI training facilities

The Town of Pembroke Park board voted unanimously to recommend that the Town Commission consider an ordinance that would make data centers and artificial-intelligence training facilities subject to special-exception review in the M1 industrial district and a companion resolution establishing a fee schedule to cover related impacts.

Juan Chapa, the consultant town planner, told the board that Florida Senate Bill 484 (2026) affirms local authority to regulate large electrical-load users and that the town authorized a local regulatory framework for data centers and AI training facilities. "Data centers and artificial intelligence training facilities burden existing and electrical facilities due to demand of high demand of both. They also do not create jobs," Chapa said, explaining the rationale for more restrictive local controls and fees.

The draft ordinance, as read into the record by staff, would amend chapters of the town zoning code (sections 28-211, 28-211.5 and 28-212) to establish definitions and to remove data centers and AI training facilities from permitted uses in M1, place them under a special-exception category, and set criteria for special-exception approval, including infrastructure, climate-resilience, employment and operational standards, financial assurances and decommissioning requirements. The companion resolution would create a fee schedule to cover impacts and the town’s review costs.

Chapa displayed the town zoning map to show M1 areas where special-exception applications would be allowed and emphasized that the town currently has no data centers or AI training facilities; the code changes are intended to make future proposals more restrictive and to require additional review if one is proposed. The board opened a public hearing for both items, recorded that no members of the public were present, and closed the hearing.

A board member moved to transmit a favorable recommendation on Ordinance 6.1 to the Town Commission; the motion was seconded and passed on a roll-call vote with Board member Cunningham, Board member Walker and Vice Chair Schrader voting yes. The board then moved to recommend Resolution 6.1 (the fee schedule) to the Town Commission; that motion was also seconded and approved unanimously.

The recommendation packet and the official ordinance and resolution texts will be forwarded to the Town Commission for further consideration and formal action by that body. With no further discussion, the board requested adjournment and closed the meeting.