Oakley Agrees to Extend Moratorium on Data Centers For 1-Year
The Oakley City Council voted to extend its data center moratorium for 10 months and 15 days, aiming to allow staff time to develop a permanent land use ordinance. The extension follows previous controversy regarding a project where data center use was prohibited. Council members expressed concerns about energy consumption and the need for clear standards.
The Oakley City Council voted 5-0 to extend a moratorium on data center development for an additional 10 months and 15 days, pushing the halt until April 14, 2027. This decision follows an initial emergency ordinance and aims to provide city staff with sufficient time to craft a permanent land use and approval policy for data centers.
The moratorium stems from controversy surrounding the Bridgehead Industrial Project, a large 164-acre development where data center use was initially proposed but later removed by the applicant during the hearing. The council ultimately approved the Bridgehead project, but with data centers explicitly prohibited. Councilmember Anissa Williams initiated the temporary moratorium request at a previous meeting.
City Attorney Derek Cole explained that the extension is part of a multi-step process for implementing a two-year moratorium, including this first extension. A joint workshop between the city council and planning commission will be held to discuss the moratorium's details. Councilmember George Fuller highlighted national trends, noting that many communities are grappling with data center development without clear standards, citing high energy consumption in states like Virginia and increased electricity costs in New Jersey. He urged the city to establish robust standards for data centers.