Commission considers a moratorium on data‑center siting while code updates proceed

A commissioner presented a draft ordinance to place a moratorium on data‑center siting in the city while the planning commission and council finalize code updates and the comprehensive plan.

The proponent said several bills at the state level had failed and noted neighboring jurisdictions (Colloton/Chesterfield counties) have recently enacted temporary moratoria. “The idea was that the moratorium…would at least allow some time to contemplate how to regulate them in the code and comp plan,” the commissioner said, encouraging a regional approach with county partners.

Commissioners flagged practical concerns — heavy water and power consumption and potential annexation strategies — and discussed adding a new use for data centers to the city’s use table so the code could specify where (if anywhere) such facilities would be allowed and what standards would apply.

Why it matters: data centers can place significant demands on public utilities and land use; a local moratorium could give the city time to adopt standards or require annexation conditions before a large industrial user locates nearby.

Next steps: the commissioner said he will share the draft ordinance with colleagues and council members; commissioners asked staff to coordinate on whether a moratorium or other regulatory approach is legally preferable.