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Trustees direct staff to bring a short moratorium on data‑center approvals while rules are drafted
Summary
Trustees voted to direct staff to draft a moratorium ordinance on new data‑center permits so the town can develop land‑use regulations; staff said current code does not explicitly list data centers and recommended a pause while regulations are prepared.
Trustees directed staff to prepare a short moratorium ordinance on new data‑center permits while planning staff develops regulations to address the use. Staff said the town code does not explicitly list data centers and that the current policy approach is to find the most analogous existing use when a use is unlisted; that approach leaves gaps and risks inconsistent application.
Planning staff and legal counsel advised a moratorium is lawful for a limited time (generally not exceeding six months) if the town shows it is drafting regulations in good faith and not seeking indefinite delay. Trustees asked staff to bring forward a moratorium ordinance and indicated they want to see concrete draft code language and a timeline for completing regulations.
The motion to direct staff to prepare moratorium materials passed; staff will return with a proposed ordinance and schedule for public engagement and rulemaking.
