Coachella City Council Approves Permanent Data Center Ban

The Coachella City Council unanimously approved the first reading of an ordinance on August 13, 2026, to permanently ban data centers, data storage facilities, and large-scale computing facilities within city limits. The legislation targets facilities used for AI training, cloud computing, and email servicing, though it exempts accessory server rooms that are incidental to other permitted uses.

Mayor Frank Figueroa advocated for the measure, citing community concerns regarding the environmental impact of such facilities. He specifically noted that residents are worried about energy and water consumption, as well as the potential for increased local temperatures. The move follows months of resident pressure and the recent cancellation of the proposed Coachella Valley Technology Campus.

The city currently operates under a temporary moratorium on these developments that is scheduled to last until June 3, 2027. A second reading of the ordinance is scheduled for August 26, with the ban set to take effect 30 days after final approval.