Clayton council enacts 365-day moratorium on data center permits

The Clayton City Council voted to impose an immediate, temporary 365-day moratorium on acceptance and processing of zoning, conditional-use and building permit applications for data processing centers in the city.

The council passed Resolution RO72646 after the clerk read the measure into the record and councilmembers moved and seconded the item. The mayor called for the question and the motion carried.

City Manager Elaine told the council and speakers that the moratorium is intended to buy time while ‘‘things with the state are still up in the air’’ and to allow staff ‘‘to evaluate the situation and figure out what our next steps are.’’ She added, ‘‘It could be 365 days. It could be less. We would have to come back if we wanted to extend that.’’

During public comment, resident Deborah Rettman said she appreciated the city’s action but asked how ‘‘temporary’’ would be defined and how the community would be kept informed. Rettman said the word ‘‘temporary makes me a little concerned’’ and asked how the city would ensure transparency if changes are under consideration.

Elaine replied that staff would advertise hearings and that the city would notify the public ‘‘if we are making any major changes.’’ She also said the city is assessing whether it has land appropriate for data centers and emphasized a desire to ‘‘protect ourselves and not get behind the 8 ball.’’

The resolution enacts a temporary pause on permit processing so staff can research implications, evaluate potential local regulations, and return to council with recommendations before any extension is considered. The council did not attach a specific extension plan to the moratorium during the meeting.

Next steps: staff will research state-level activity, prepare any recommended code changes or policy options, and return to council for further action if an extension or permanent rulemaking is proposed.