US Cities Implement Strict New Data Center Regulations

Municipalities across the United States are intensifying efforts to regulate data center development amid community concerns over noise, water usage, and zoning. In Loudoun County, Virginia, board member Juli Briskman is leading a push to pause all new data center applications to revisit zoning ordinances. Briskman and board member Laura TeKrony are also advancing a resolution to eliminate a grandfather clause that allowed projects filed before March 2025 to maintain by-right permitting. If passed, these projects would require public hearings and full board votes.

In Aurora, Colorado, the City Council is voting to ban evaporative cooling systems to reduce citywide water consumption, forcing facilities to adopt closed-loop systems. This follows a narrow 6-5 rejection of a six-month moratorium on new facilities. Other Colorado jurisdictions have taken more drastic steps, with Lochbuie imposing a five-year ban and Denver implementing a one-year moratorium.

Meanwhile, the Augusta Commission in Georgia is reviewing a 29-page draft ordinance on September 15. The proposal establishes five facility classifications and mandates minimum setbacks from residential areas and community benefits agreements. This follows a July decision to extend a 60-day moratorium to allow for further research into regulatory frameworks. While Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger supports the industry's economic impact, she has advocated for stricter energy and environmental infrastructure regulations.