Oklahoma City Council to vote on data center moratorium Tuesday

The Oklahoma City Council is scheduled to vote Tuesday on an emergency ordinance proposing a temporary moratorium on new data center development applications citywide until December 31, 2026. This measure would halt the acceptance and processing of new rezoning requests and permits related to data center construction, expansion, or property use. City officials, including City Manager Craig Freeman, state the moratorium would provide time to assess potential impacts on the city's infrastructure and resources, such as water demand, electricity use, noise, heat, and air quality. The proposal comes as Oklahoma City actively updates its zoning code, potentially creating a specific land-use category and regulations for data centers. The ordinance includes an appeal process via the Board of Adjustment for affected businesses. Councilmen Todd Stone and Matt Hinkle have expressed support for the temporary pause, emphasizing the need for thorough research to avoid future mistakes. The measure exempts two pending rezoning cases, PUD-2105 and PUD-2124, from the moratorium. A financial impact report indicates minimal financial effect, as it would delay rather than permanently stop development.