Committee adopts temporary moratorium on data centers to study local impacts

The Judiciary & Administration Committee unanimously adopted a temporary moratorium on data‑center development to allow time for study and regional coordination. The mayor said the county moratorium did not automatically apply to the city, and the city needs its own action to participate in county study efforts and assess potential local impacts.

Public commenters described concerns about noise, water and limited local employment gains from small urban data centers. One resident, Ash Lake, told the committee, “They create a ton of sound. They're incredibly difficult to live near,” and urged the city to study environmental and utility consequences before permitting such uses. City attorneys and staff explained that a moratorium is a lawful pause that lets the municipality study, define, and if needed later regulate the use.

The committee recorded the moratorium as a recommendation to study and define the city's approach and passed the ordinance unanimously. Sponsors said they expect ongoing coordination with the county data‑center study board and additional staff work to return recommendations on permitted uses and design standards.