LA County issues temporary ban on data centers in unincorporated areas
Los Angeles County's planning director has issued an immediate, temporary ban on new large-scale AI data centers in the county's unincorporated areas. This action follows concerns from residents and a unanimous motion by the Board of Supervisors addressing public health and environmental impacts. The county intends to formalize this prohibition in its zoning regulations, similar to actions taken by nearby cities.
Los Angeles County's planning director, Amy Bodek, issued an immediate, temporary prohibition on the development of large-scale artificial intelligence data centers in the county's unincorporated areas. This directive serves as interim guidance while the county works to codify the ban into its permanent zoning regulations. The move stems from a motion introduced by Board Chair Hilda Solis in April, which was unanimously approved by the Board of Supervisors, citing public health and environmental concerns raised by San Gabriel Valley residents.
Supervisor Solis emphasized that the need for such a ban is underscored by "alarming developments from the AI sector on catastrophic impacts the technology may have on humanity." She plans to bring further actions before the Board to implement recommendations from the Departments of Regional Planning and Public Health to amend the county's zoning code. The interim guidance from the Department of Regional Planning will prevent new facilities from being built during this legislative process.
The county's action follows similar measures in nearby cities. Monterey Park residents successfully pushed for a 45-day moratorium on data centers after SDCF Monterey Park, LLC proposed a 218,400-square-foot facility. This moratorium was extended and ultimately led to voters approving Measure NDC in June, prohibiting all data centers in the city. The City of Industry also amended its zoning laws, sparking criticisms from residents in neighboring communities that it could pave the way for a data center at the Puente Hills Mall. Additionally, El Monte and Baldwin Park city councils implemented yearlong bans on data centers within their limits in late April.