Poway Council bans large AI data centers in the city
The Poway City Council unanimously approved an ordinance banning large, third-party AI data centers throughout the city. Officials cited concerns about electricity and water consumption, infrastructure strain, noise, air quality, fire risks and limited long-term employment; a proposed five-year moratorium was rejected in favor of a permanent ban.
The Poway City Council unanimously approved an ordinance on Oct. 6 prohibiting large, third-party data centers used for artificial intelligence applications in all city zones. The measure amends the Poway Municipal Code and South Poway Specific Plan and was supported by Mayor Steve Vaus and Councilmember Anita Edmondson, who said the facilities would consume substantial electricity and water while providing relatively few permanent jobs.
Councilmember Christopher Pikus said the ban would preserve limited land in the South Poway Business Park for businesses that employ local residents. City staff and public speakers also cited potential impacts involving utility rates, noise, air quality and fire risk. Edmondson’s proposed five-year development moratorium did not receive support from the council, which instead adopted the broader permanent prohibition.