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Committee asks staff to draft one-year moratorium on data centers
Summary
The Building & Building Codes Committee voted unanimously to request draft legislation for a one-year moratorium on data centers so the city can study zoning changes, infrastructure impacts and appropriate code language.
Community Development Director Tom Jordan told the committee that Cuyahoga County had prepared background information on data centers and recommended the city consider a moratorium while staff and council evaluate zoning and infrastructure implications.
Jordan said residents and officials had raised concerns about energy and water usage, limited local employment benefits and other community impacts. Mayor Paul Marnecheck supported a moratorium, noting the city has used moratoria in the past to study significant land‑use questions.
Council member Ed Cyngier, who said he worked at a data center, warned that such facilities typically employ few people and can be noisy and land‑intensive. Members discussed Twinsburg's approach and a staff memo noting that outright bans can raise legal questions; Jordan recommended a one‑year moratorium to allow the law department and planning staff to draft appropriate code changes.
The committee voted 3-0 to direct staff to draft legislation for a one‑year moratorium on data centers and place it on a future council agenda. The motion was moved by Chair Kaylee Green and seconded by Vice Chair Matt Coleman.
