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Homewood staff propose moratorium on large data‑center applications while zoning study proceeds
Summary
City staff introduced a proposed moratorium to pause processing of data‑center applications exceeding 1 MW while Homewood reviews zoning and potential impacts; council was asked to consider unanimous consent to avoid an application slipping through before rules are updated.
At a June 22 pre‑council meeting, Mr. Jackson introduced a proposed moratorium that would pause processing of any applications for data centers whose maximum aggregate capacity exceeds 1 megawatt (1 MW) while the city studies zoning, utilities and land‑use impacts.
"This would do is impose a moratorium on processing any applications for data centers while the city studies impact, looks at its zoning ordinances," Mr. Jackson said, explaining that Homewood currently has no pending mega‑data center applications or an operating mega‑data center. He said the 1 MW threshold is based on industry research and cited "increased likelihood of public disruption, whether it's utility usage, water usage, noise, vibration" above that scale.
Mr. Jackson told council the pause is intended to give staff time to update the city’s land‑use definitions and coordinate with an ongoing comprehensive planning process. He said the moratorium would "simply be a pause" that prevents staff from accepting or processing qualifying applications until council lifts the moratorium or adopts new rules.
Councilors were told the item is being advanced urgently: Mr. Jackson said council’s request was for unanimous consent that evening so the public notice of a moratorium would not leave a gap during which an application could be filed and approved under current rules.
No formal action was taken at the pre‑council session; Mr. Jackson and the presiding officer said the item will be scheduled for council consideration following staff analysis. The presentation noted that, as of the briefing, no applications meeting the 1 MW threshold had been submitted to Homewood.
