Hillsboro puts a pause on all new data centers

The Hillsboro City Council, during a special meeting on July 27, voted to enact a 120-day temporary land use moratorium on all new and expanded data center and battery energy storage system developments. Adopted as Resolution No. 2932, this measure immediately prevents the city from accepting applications for projects proposed as a primary use during its effective period.

City officials stated that the moratorium is designed to provide time for the city to assess the impacts of rapid data center development and the emergence of battery storage projects, and to draft updated regulations. The resolution expresses uncertainty about whether current rules adequately protect public health and safety, particularly noting the fire risks associated with battery energy storage systems, for which the city currently lacks specific regulations. The resolution also includes new restrictions on accessory uses, limiting them to less than 20% of a site's total structure square footage, original construction value, or contracted electrical service capacity (up to 20 megawatts).