Los Angeles County Bans Large-Scale AI Data Centers

The Los Angeles County Department of Regional Planning issued a directive on September 18, 2026, imposing an immediate temporary ban on the development of large-scale artificial intelligence data centers in unincorporated areas of the county. This prohibition serves as interim guidance for planning staff while the county works to codify the ban into formal zoning regulations.

Hilda Solis, the Board Chair and First District Supervisor, introduced the initial motion in April, which received unanimous approval from the Board of Supervisors. Solis stated the action responds to public health and environmental concerns raised by San Gabriel Valley residents. She further noted that the need for the ban was motivated by "alarming developments from the AI sector on catastrophic impacts the technology may have on humanity."

Planning Director Amy Bodek issued the memorandum to halt development immediately. Solis intends to present further actions to the Board to implement recommendations from the departments of Regional Planning and Public Health to permanently amend the zoning code.