Palm Beach County commissioners back proposed one-year pause on large data centers
Palm Beach County commissioners have given initial approval to a proposed one-year moratorium on new large-scale data center applications. The unanimous vote allows staff time to develop more specific regulations covering aspects like landscaping, sound, and utility coordination before a final vote on September 24.
Palm Beach County commissioners have granted initial approval for a proposed one-year moratorium on new large-scale data center applications. In a unanimous vote on Thursday, the commissioners advanced an ordinance that would temporarily halt the county from accepting, processing, or approving new permits for qualifying data centers. A final vote on the measure is slated for September 24.
County officials stated that the temporary pause is intended to provide staff with adequate time to formulate comprehensive regulations for data center facilities before further projects proceed. These forthcoming requirements are expected to address various aspects including landscaping buffers, proximity to adjacent properties, noise impact studies, and coordination with utility providers. The proposal also includes a definition for what constitutes a large-scale data center, aligning with state guidelines that set a monthly peak electrical load threshold of less than 50 megawatts. If passed in the final vote, the county would implement a one-year pause on new applications while it compiles long-term standards.