McMinnville Board Enacts Temporary Data Center Moratorium
The McMinnville Board of Mayor and Aldermen has enacted a temporary moratorium on data center applications. This pause allows the city to develop specific land use and noise regulations in response to a company's interest in building a facility. Public town hall sessions are scheduled for late June to gather more community input.
The McMinnville Board of Mayor and Aldermen has officially passed a temporary moratorium on new data centers and high-density computing facilities, enacting the measure on its final reading. This decision comes as the city works to establish specific land use and noise regulations, following a stated interest from a company to build a data center within the city.
According to Community Development Director Sean Garrett, a new web portal will provide information and background on the city's next steps, including research and potential regulations. Mayor Ryle Chastain clarified that the moratorium will halt the acceptance, processing, and approval of all related applications, including those for land use, zoning, building site plans, or conditional use permits.
Public opposition to data centers was voiced during the second reading, and residents will have further opportunities for discussion during two upcoming town hall sessions on June 22 and 25. Resident Lilia Jensen emphasized that the moratorium offers the community time to gather facts, engage residents, and consult experts to evaluate necessary regulations. She urged officials to examine various aspects, including zoning, infrastructure, environmental protections, emergency response capabilities, water resource management, noise standards, and energy impact.