Ava approves one year data center pause
The Ava Board of Aldermen approved an updated Ordinance No. 1173, enacting a one-year moratorium on certain data centers and high-density computing facilities within city limits. This temporary pause allows city officials to study potential impacts on utilities, noise, and emergency response, and to determine if new regulations are needed for such developments. The ordinance does not permanently ban data centers but halts city approvals for a year.
The Ava Board of Aldermen unanimously approved Ordinance No. 1173 on Wednesday, July 1, establishing a one-year moratorium on specific types of data centers and high-density computing facilities within the city. This decision came after public input and further review of the ordinance language following discussions on June 9 and June 23.
The temporary pause, approved by a 3-0 vote, prohibits the issuance of city applications, permits, licenses, and other approvals for "for-profit" data centers, cryptocurrency mining facilities, and AI computing facilities. The ordinance aims to give city staff, the Planning and Zoning Commission, and the Board of Aldermen time to review potential impacts, including electrical demand, water usage, noise, and emergency response, and to consider necessary updates to city codes, zoning regulations, and utility policies.
Exceptions are included for ordinary computer equipment accessory to primary lawful uses, addressing concerns raised by Douglas County Prosecuting Attorney Matthew Weatherman and others about the original wording. The ordinance also allows for maintenance of existing lawful equipment. The moratorium will automatically expire one year after its effective date unless further modified or extended.