Palm Springs joins other valley cities in temporary ban on data centers
The Palm Springs City Council has approved a 45-day temporary moratorium on new data center construction. This decision was driven by concerns from residents and city staff regarding the facilities' heavy demands on water and electricity, as well as land-use impacts. The city plans to use this period to update its zoning code to incorporate long-term regulations for data centers.
The Palm Springs City Council has enacted a 45-day urgency ordinance placing a temporary moratorium on new data center construction. Councilmember Grace Garner requested the action, citing the rapid pace of technological change and the need for cautious planning to avoid negative impacts observed in other communities. This decision makes Palm Springs the latest Coachella Valley city to ban new data center development temporarily.
The temporary ban prevents the city from accepting or approving any data center-related applications while it updates its citywide zoning code. City staff, led by Director of Planning Services Christopher Hadwin, noted that the current municipal and zoning codes lack data center definitions or regulations, meaning they are "arguably" already prohibited. Hadwin highlighted significant environmental concerns, particularly the heavy demands on water and electricity for cooling and power, as well as potential impacts on local infrastructure, services, and the city's limited land base for employment uses.
Residents, including Lindsay Rowe and Council District 1 candidate Don Soja, voiced strong opposition during public comment, emphasizing the ongoing Colorado River crisis and the strain data centers would place on Palm Springs' already taxed electric grid and water supply. They also pointed out the minimal job creation associated with these facilities. Councilmember Jeffrey Bernstein clarified that the ordinance does not signify an anti-technology stance but rather a need for responsible governance amidst rapid technological advancement. The moratorium can be extended for up to two years after the initial 45-day period, a move already taken by other nearby cities like Desert Hot Springs, while Coachella is considering a permanent ban.