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Aberdeen council adopts immediate moratorium on data-center permits through Nov. 18
Summary
Council voted unanimously to adopt an emergency resolution imposing a temporary moratorium on building and zoning permits for data centers to allow time for public input and drafting a data-center zoning ordinance; the moratorium will sunset Nov. 18, 2026, or when a zoning ordinance becomes effective.
The City of Aberdeen on July 20 adopted an emergency resolution (26-07-04R) placing a temporary moratorium on issuance of building and zoning permits for data centers so staff and council can study zoning options and solicit public input.
City attorney explained that the state recently enacted a “data center bill of rights” effective July 1, 2026, and that the city’s current zoning does not provide clear guidance for data-center projects. "This resolution would impose a temporary moratorium on issuance of zoning and building permits for data centers to give us time both the city council and the city staff and to elicit and receive public input," the city attorney said. He told council the moratorium is designed to sunset no later than Nov. 18, 2026, or earlier if a zoning ordinance takes effect.
Council discussed next steps for public outreach and a timeline for drafting ordinance language; the attorney said the planning commission will be part of the formal ordinance review and that staff could hold work sessions and stakeholder meetings. The attorney also cited SDCL 9-19-13 to explain that a resolution may take immediate effect in an emergency context.
The council approved the resolution by roll call; the motion was seconded and carried without recorded opposition. The resolution text and timeline will return to council in subsequent meetings for scheduling of public input and ordinance drafting.
