Scarborough Town Council unanimously approves ban on data centers
The Scarborough Town Council unanimously approved zoning changes that prohibit data centers in all town zoning districts. The council also lifted the 180-day moratorium imposed earlier over concerns about electricity use, grid strain, water consumption, noise and environmental impacts.
The Scarborough Town Council in Maine unanimously approved an ordinance banning data centers in all zoning districts. The ordinance defines data centers while excluding smaller server rooms and similar facilities used by businesses, schools and other institutions.
Following the zoning vote, the council repealed a 180-day emergency moratorium on data center development, saying it was no longer necessary. The moratorium had been enacted amid concerns about electricity costs and grid capacity, water use, noise, air pollution and impacts on surrounding properties. The town’s Sustainability Committee concluded that the potential drawbacks outweighed the benefits, including limited long-term employment opportunities.