Council weighs definitions and possible moratoria for data centers and aerial mobility uses

Planning staff told council they had drafted specific definitions and use standards for two emerging uses: data centers and advanced air mobility (AAM) facilities such as small automated passenger or cargo aircraft hubs. Phil Kleisler said the draft code would limit data centers to the M‑3 heavy industrial zone via special use review and include use‑specific standards (building enclosure, maximum size, residential buffering). Staff also advised council that a temporary moratorium — likely six months or more — could buy time for additional research on water and power demands and appropriate siting.

Councilors asked practical questions about impacts: water and power demands for data centers, FAA jurisdiction over airspace versus local land‑use control for ground facilities, and whether adding a definition but also imposing a moratorium would be contradictory. Staff explained a rationale for both actions: creating a clear use and limiting where it could occur protects the city in the near term, while a moratorium creates space to refine standards. Council expressed general support for the approach and directed staff to return with research and, if appropriate, moratorium language for council action.