Ontario City Council Proposes Extending AI Data Center Moratorium

The Ontario City Council is considering an ordinance to extend a moratorium on applications for licensing, zoning, and occupancy permits for AI-supporting data centers for at least six more months. The city originally adopted the hold in May as a preemptive measure after concerns emerged regarding the impact of data centers in a neighboring community.

Mayor Josh Bradley stated that the moratorium will remain in place until the state house completes a study on the issue. Bradley indicated that state representatives expect the results of that study to be released after the upcoming election. Consequently, the city is also holding proposed zoning code changes until state recommendations are available.

Service-Safety Director Michael Morton noted that the initial scrutiny of data centers was prompted by the negative experiences of a nearby community.