Edmond halts new data center applications to rewrite zoning code
Edmond City Council has approved a moratorium on new data center applications until the end of 2026. This pause will allow the city to revise its zoning code and address concerns about the impact of data centers on local water, power, and land resources, aiming to establish strict regulations proactively.
The Edmond City Council has unanimously approved a moratorium on new data center applications and building permits, effective until December 31, 2026. This decision, following similar actions in Oklahoma City and Tulsa, aims to allow city leaders time to study the potential impacts of data centers on local water and power resources and to rewrite the city's zoning code. Councilmembers Barry Moore and Maggie Murdoch Nichols expressed significant concerns regarding the substantial power and water consumption of hyperscale data centers, as well as their potential to permanently alter communities and exploit zoning loopholes.
The planning department has been tasked with drafting specific definitions for data centers within the development code and establishing methods for infrastructure cost recovery within the next three months. While there are no current hyperscale data centers or pending applications in Edmond, the city is proactively seeking to implement strict regulations before developers propose projects. Councilmember Phil Fraim, however, cautioned against a permanent ban, acknowledging the reliance on data center technology for modern infrastructure and highlighting the distinction between small, existing server rooms in Edmond and large hyperscale facilities.