Angels Camp Approves Temporary Data Center Moratorium
The Angels Camp City Council has unanimously approved a temporary moratorium on data center construction. This action, which follows a similar move by Calaveras County, will allow city leaders time to develop new zoning codes and development standards. The moratorium addresses concerns regarding data centers' high electricity and water usage, as well as noise and light pollution.
The Angels Camp City Council on Tuesday unanimously approved a temporary moratorium on the construction of data centers within city limits. This decision mirrors a similar directive issued last week by the Calaveras County Board of Supervisors, which applied to unincorporated areas of the county.
City leaders cited the emergence of large data centers, particularly with the rise of artificial intelligence, as a new land use for which existing zoning codes and development standards are inadequate. Concerns highlighted include the substantial consumption of electricity and water, the need for extensive cooling equipment, and potential issues related to 24-hour noise and light. A report from Angels Camp City Planning, authored by Amy Augustine, provided a detailed definition and overview of data center uses.
The temporary moratorium is intended to provide city officials with sufficient time to develop a comprehensive, permanent plan to address and regulate future data center construction within Angels Camp. This strategic pause aims to ensure the city can proactively manage the environmental and infrastructural impacts of such developments.