Council directs 12‑month moratorium petition on data‑center permits, schedules Planning Commission hearing

Pendleton’s Town Council voted on July 9 to direct the Director of Economic Community and Planning (Denise, speaker 2) to file a petition with the Planning Commission proposing a 12‑month moratorium on data‑center permitting and related zoning actions.

Council President (speaker 1) framed the request as a follow‑up to community input collected at a prior meeting. The motion to have Denise present the petition to the Planning Commission was moved and seconded and approved by voice vote. Planning staff said the Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on Aug. 5 and that public notice will be issued.

Public comment: Sandy Jones (speaker 11) addressed the council during public comment and said, “And thank you for, the, moratorium request. I think it's in the best interest of the town,” expressing support for the council’s action.

Why it matters: Council members said the moratorium will give staff and elected leaders time to research data centers, evaluate zoning classifications and develop policy recommendations; the petition was described as a 12‑month pause to allow a thorough review and public engagement.

Next steps: Planning staff will file the petition, notify the public about the Aug. 5 hearing, and return recommendations to the council and Planning Commission following the public‑hearing process.