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Bloomington council approves six‑month moratorium on hyperscale data centers
Summary
The Bloomington City Council voted to adopt a six‑month moratorium on data center facilities to allow staff and the Planning Commission to draft and hold public hearings on updated regulations; the decision followed several public comments urging a pause and a city manager briefing on the ordinance’s scope.
The Bloomington City Council on May 26 approved a six‑month temporary moratorium on data center facilities so staff and the Planning Commission can develop updated regulations.
City Manager Jurgens told the council the ordinance pauses new data‑center permits while staff holds at least two Planning Commission public hearings and conducts outreach that could include industry representatives. “This is a 6 month moratorium,” Jurgens said, and council members may extend it or adopt regulations sooner if available.
Public commenters urged the pause. Nate Marshall, who identified himself as an IT professional and former Apple employee, said, “Data centers are necessary. However, the new age of data centers are a massive concern,” arguing hyperscale facilities pose privacy, water and neighborhood impacts. Adrian Hahn and Chris Greer also warned of noise, visual and resource‑use concerns if large facilities locate near residential areas.
Supporters framed the moratorium as a temporary pause to allow Bloomington to align its rules with regional best practices and to provide time for public hearings and technical testimony. Jurgens said staff will invite both community voices and industry representatives to answer technical questions at the hearings.
Member Hendricks moved approval and Member Dannenberger seconded; the clerk announced the ordinance passed with no nays.
The moratorium does not ban data centers permanently; it temporarily halts new approvals while the city develops zoning and operational standards. Next steps identified by staff include scheduling the Planning Commission hearings, public outreach, and drafting regulatory language for council consideration.
