Denton holds final hearing on proposed data center moratorium
The Denton City Council held the final public hearing and first reading for a proposed 90-day moratorium on new commercial data center applications. The proposed pause is intended to give the city time to address water, sewer, electric-grid and land-development concerns; a vote could occur as early as Dec. 1.
Denton City Council held its second required public hearing and first reading for an ordinance proposing a 90-day moratorium on new commercial data center applications. City officials cited water and sewer capacity, electric-grid and transmission constraints, and the need for clearer development standards as reasons for the proposed pause.
The moratorium would not affect previously filed applications, including the approved Qumulus AI and Core Scientific hyperscale projects. Council members are also considering extending the pause to 180 days, with a vote on the ordinance potentially occurring Dec. 1; if approved, it would apply within Denton, Denton Municipal Electric’s service territory, and the city’s water and sewer service territory.