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Carbondale council adopts one-year moratorium on data center development
Summary
The Carbondale City Council voted 5'1 to start a one-year moratorium on data center development, directing staff to draft zoning text amendments amid concerns about water, power, noise and light impacts. Supporters said the pause protects residents while the state considers related legislation.
Carbondale's City Council voted to initiate a one-year moratorium on data center development and instructed staff to prepare zoning text amendments to govern future proposals.
The resolution, moved by Council member Colombo and seconded by another member, passed on a 5'1 roll call: Council members Lowes, Roberts, Stanfield and Colombo and Mayor Carolyn Harvey voted yes; Council member Maxwell voted no.
Staff told the council that rapid expansion of data centers nationwide and in Illinois has raised local concerns about large water consumption, increased electrical demand, and potential noise and light pollution. The staff report said the moratorium would give the city time to develop regulations that protect municipal infrastructure and community interests while the Illinois General Assembly continues work on related legislation.
Supporters during council debate and public comment argued the moratorium would prevent developers from filing proposals the council could not approve without established standards. Council member Lowes said the pause would "save everyone the trouble" of reacting to ad hoc proposals, while Council member Stanfield urged caution about preempting state action and noted legal complexities around water rights. Stanfield said he was "not entirely in favor" but hesitant to act before state guidance; other members countered that a local moratorium provides an immediate protective buffer.
Several residents and local advocates urged adoption. Don Monte told the council he wanted clarity on whether the moratorium would apply inside city limits or across the city's zoning jurisdiction; staff indicated zoning provisions would govern the moratorium. Jane Kogee, speaking as a Sierra Club member, cited regional community concerns about energy and water impacts and urged passage.
The resolution directs city staff to prepare text amendments to the Carbondale Revised Code addressing data center development and returns the proposed code language to council for further action during the moratorium period. Council recorded no additional conditions in the motion; staff said next steps include drafting proposed code language and scheduling future hearings.
What happens next: Staff will draft zoning amendments and present them to council. The moratorium does not change existing approvals but pauses new data center development approvals while the city updates its regulations.
