County Eyes AI Data Center Ban in Unincorporated Areas
Los Angeles County supervisors are considering directing planners to draft a zoning amendment banning large-scale and AI-focused data centers in unincorporated areas. The proposal responds to concerns about energy use, water consumption, environmental effects and public health, and could also enable a moratorium if an individual project poses an immediate threat.
Los Angeles County Supervisor Hilda Solis has proposed a countywide ban on large-scale and AI-focused data centers in unincorporated areas. Her motion, scheduled for consideration by the Board of Supervisors, would direct the Department of Regional Planning to amend Title 22 of the county zoning code and create definitions based on facility size, acreage, electricity demand and water consumption. The restrictions would cover areas such as Marina del Rey and unincorporated Malibu-area and Santa Monica Mountains parcels, but not incorporated cities.
The proposal follows public opposition to a planned AI data center in El Segundo, where the developer withdrew its application after residents raised concerns about projected power demand and water use. County officials also cited public comments from the San Gabriel Valley and a county report recommending that hyperscale data centers be prohibited in all zones. The motion would require environmental review, consideration of low-frequency noise regulations and preparation for a possible project-specific moratorium when a proposed facility presents an immediate threat to health, safety or environmental resources.