Santa Cruz County considers requiring voter approval for AI data centers
The Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors is considering developing a ballot measure and ordinance to regulate artificial intelligence data centers. If approved, the measure would require voter approval for any future AI data center or high-intensity computing facility in the county's unincorporated areas, and would express the county's opposition to such facilities.
The Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors is currently deliberating on whether to advance a ballot measure and an accompanying ordinance aimed at regulating artificial intelligence data centers within the county. This proposed legislation would grant residents the ultimate authority to approve or reject future AI data center projects in Santa Cruz County's unincorporated regions.
The initiative, scheduled for consideration by supervisors on Tuesday, would mandate voter approval before any AI data center or similar "high-intensity computing facilities" could obtain zoning, permits, or commence construction. Additionally, the measure would formally declare the county's opposition to the establishment of such facilities.
According to a county staff report, the ballot measure, if advanced by the Board of Supervisors, would be presented to voters in 2028. It is noted that there are currently no artificial intelligence data centers proposed for development within Santa Cruz County.