Councilmember seeks three‑month moratorium on data centers to study impacts

Councilmember Morrow asked the council to place a three‑month moratorium on all types of data centers during a work‑session discussion on Aug. 17, saying residents have raised both support and opposition and the city lacks sufficient information to make an informed decision.

"We really do not have enough information to make an intelligent and informed decision either for or against data centers, and that is the reason for this moratorium," Morrow said. Martin Peterson of the city's legal department said he reviewed county and municipal measures and borrowed definition language from New York's statewide moratorium when drafting the proposed resolution. Peterson cautioned that the moratorium's effect on pending applications depends on a legal analysis of whether applicants have acquired vested rights under existing development agreements.

Council members discussed process and timing: because the proposed action is a resolution, staff said it would likely be placed on the Sept. 8 agenda for a single vote rather than three readings required for zoning ordinances. Members also discussed holding a public town hall with developers and utility providers to give residents information, though staff noted town halls by council members could require careful compliance with open‑meeting rules if more than three councilmembers participate.

Several councilmembers expressed support for pausing new approvals to allow thorough study; others reminded the public that the council cannot unilaterally void development agreements without appropriate legal finding. If the council chooses to move forward, staff said the resolution would authorize a three‑month review and the council could take additional action at the end of that period.