Local Governments Implement Moratoriums on Data Center Development
Municipalities across several states are pausing data center development to establish zoning standards and evaluate infrastructure impacts on water and power systems.
Local governments in multiple jurisdictions are implementing or considering pauses on data center development to evaluate infrastructure and zoning impacts. The Caledonia City Council approved a 12-month moratorium via Ordinance 2026-02 to establish standards for noise, backup power, and demands on wastewater, power, and water systems.
Similar actions are unfolding in other regions. The Frederick City Council is scheduled to vote on a two-year moratorium that would stop the processing of land management code amendments for data centers, while Pitt County commissioners will hold a public hearing on November 16 to study the environmental and public safety effects of new facilities.
In Washington County, North Strabane Township canceled a November 24 hearing to review a proposed ordinance regulating data center zoning and property line setbacks. Township Manager Patrick Karnash recommended the delay to give the planning commission more time to assess the draft text. This regional push for regulation follows the 2025 listing of a large land parcel in South Strabane as a prime data center location. The North Strabane ordinance is expected to be ready for public review in the first quarter of 2027.
