Latest data centers move: Vandalia city council considers moratorium

The Vandalia City Council is set to review a proposed moratorium on data center development, along with small box discount stores and gas stations, at its upcoming May 4 meeting. This move aims to allow city staff to update zoning codes to properly address these types of developments. Vandalia's consideration aligns with a trend among several nearby Ohio municipalities responding to the increasing presence of data centers. For instance, Huber Heights approved a year-long moratorium on specific commercial developments in December to update its zoning code, a common municipal tool for controlling development. Tipp City banned additional standalone gas stations in November, while Troy imposed a moratorium through May 30 on automobile fuel stations for similar zoning review purposes. Washington Township enacted a 360-day moratorium on new data center requests to study potential limitations or regulations. Dayton’s City Plan Board also recommended prohibiting large data centers, with a 180-day moratorium awaiting consideration by Dayton city commissioners later this month. The article notes that data centers, integral to the expansion of AI, are growing in number due to information technology demands. While proponents highlight job creation, opponents raise concerns about their substantial consumption of resources like water and energy, potential strain on utilities leading to higher prices for residents, noise pollution, aesthetic degradation, and infrastructure burdens.