Denver Mayor Mike Johnston says data center ban is possible as city writes new rules
Denver Mayor Mike Johnston said a permanent ban or other limits on data centers are possible as the city develops regulations following a one-year moratorium. The moratorium was prompted by opposition to CoreSite's 180,000-square-foot data center in northeast Denver and has halted plans for two additional facilities at the site.
Denver Mayor Mike Johnston said the city could permanently restrict or ban data centers as it develops rules governing their locations, size and impacts on water supplies and electricity demand. Denver imposed a one-year moratorium in May after a 180,000-square-foot CoreSite facility opened near Elyria Park in northeast Denver, exposing gaps in the city's zoning code and prompting concerns about utility costs and water use during drought conditions.
Local activist Alfonso Espino and Denver City Councilman Darrell Watson criticized the development and its lack of City Council review. The moratorium has halted CoreSite's plans for two more data centers on the site, while Espino now serves on a 26-member city working group that will recommend permanent policies; city leaders have said the pause will remain until new laws are enacted.