Suffolk City Council Bans New Data Center Applications

The Suffolk City Council unanimously approved a moratorium on data center projects and development on Wednesday. The ban prevents the city from accepting new data center applications until officials establish formal rules and restrictions to govern these facilities.

City planners warned that existing warehouse regulations could have inadvertently allowed data center construction because city ordinances lacked a specific legal definition for such facilities. Council members stated the pause allows the city to ensure future developments operate under terms agreeable to the municipality rather than the operators.

A circulating draft of the new regulations suggests requirements for council-approved permits, limitations to manufacturing areas, soundproofing, and prohibitions on the use of well water. This move follows similar pauses implemented in nearby Chesapeake and Virginia Beach. SimIS, Inc., a local firm planning a facility near Wilroy Industrial Park, stated it will comply with the new rules once they are finalized.