Zoning commission backs moratorium on "large‑scale" data centers while flagging definition gaps
The commission recommended a moratorium on new large‑scale data center applications using a 50‑megawatt statutory threshold, but members and public speakers urged staff to tighten the definition and study water, noise, battery storage and other impacts during the moratorium.
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The Palm Beach County Zoning Commission voted to recommend that the Board of County Commissioners adopt an ordinance imposing a moratorium on comprehensive plan and zoning applications for "large‑scale data centers," using the statutory 50‑megawatt monthly peak‑load threshold. Darren Liser of the county attorney’s office told the commission the proposed moratorium would bar acceptance or processing of new applications for the shorter of one year from ordinance adoption (the ordinance hearing is scheduled for Sept. 27) or the effective date of any adopted LDRs or comp plan amendments related to large‑scale data centers; there is a narrow exception for reconstruction of properties damaged by listed hurricanes.
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