Fresno data center ban? Councilmember proposes citywide prohibition

Fresno City Councilmember Nick Richardson has introduced a resolution to implement a 10-year citywide ban on data centers, including facilities for artificial intelligence. The proposal, which is slated for review at the September 3rd council meeting, aims to redefine and prohibit data centers throughout Fresno by amending the city's Development Code. This action would remove the current power held by Planning Director Jennifer Clark to unilaterally approve data center projects.

Richardson's primary motivation for the ban is the region's limited water resources. He expressed concern that data centers could disproportionately consume water without contributing adequately to the community. The initiative follows a recent Planning Commission vote to advance the Southeast Development Area (SEDA) plan, which Councilmember Miguel Arias suggested could be a conduit for data centers despite the Planning Director's assertion that the code does not allow them.

The resolution, drafted with assistance from the City Attorney's office, seeks to close a perceived loophole in the existing planning code that could allow the Planning Director discretion over data center approvals. If the council moves forward with the amendment, the proposed ban would proceed through the airport land use commission and planning commission before returning to the city council for final approval. Mayor Dyer could not be reached for comment.