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Commission discusses moratorium and possible prohibition on data centers and utility‑scale solar
Summary
Milford commissioners discussed a City Council request to consider a 180‑day moratorium and temporary land‑use regulations on data centers, related power plants and utility‑scale solar, raising concerns about water use, noise and power infrastructure and directing staff to draft ordinance options.
Milford commissioners spent substantial time June 10 reviewing a City Council request to consider temporary land‑use regulations and a 180‑day moratorium on data centers, associated power plants and utility‑scale solar facilities so the council and staff can develop permanent rules.
Chair read the council’s letter asking the commission to consider the ordinance; staff noted a variety of data‑center types exist, some with closed‑loop cooling that use limited water and others that require more infrastructure or generate more noise. Commissioners expressed mixed views: some said the city should prohibit data centers within city limits because Milford lacks the power and water infrastructure and residents are concerned about impacts; others said city limits may not be the right place and suggested the industrial park or county areas might be more appropriate.
Commissioners discussed possible regulatory approaches: a temporary moratorium to buy time while staff drafts a targeted ordinance; a prohibition within city limits; or zoning a limited industrial area with buffer and protection requirements (noise, source‑protection, buffer zones). Staff said the council had placed a moratorium item on its June 16 agenda and that they will draft language for commission review at the next meeting.
Direction: staff will prepare draft ordinance language and moratorium options for the commission’s review. No formal action was taken beyond direction to staff.
