Patterson extends moratorium on data centers to July 2027

The Patterson City Council has unanimously approved an extension to its data center moratorium, pushing the halt on new data center permits until July 15, 2027. This extension grants the city an additional 10.5 months to thoroughly research the potential impacts of data centers on surrounding communities and to establish clear health and safety considerations, as well as specific rules for their development within Patterson.

Residents, however, voiced concerns regarding an already approved Amazon distribution warehouse, part of the large Zacharias Project on the city's west side. Janice James and Alyssa Homen suggested a potential "bait and switch," fearing that Amazon might convert the warehouse into a data center using its existing permit, citing similar instances in other cities where companies repurposed locations under initial warehouse approvals to become data centers. Homen specifically warned of legal challenges companies might pose to gain access to local water and electricity if such a conversion were to occur.

City Manager Fernando Ulloa assured residents that the new distribution center is strictly approved for warehouse use and any change would necessitate a return to the City Council for a new permit. Despite this, some residents, including Kat Ritchie and former City Council member Shivaugn Alves, called for the establishment of a citizen stakeholder team, emphasizing the community's fear and desire for transparent, collaborative involvement in the ongoing policy-making process. Assistant City Attorney Christina Pritchard acknowledged these requests, noting the early stages of the process and the need to determine the best course of action for public input within the extended timeframe.