Ellensburg adopt 6-month moratorium on data center proposals
The Ellensburg City Council unanimously approved an immediate six-month moratorium on new data center proposals. The pause, running through April 5, prevents the city from accepting or processing related building permits and land-use applications while staff develop regulations and zoning standards.
The Ellensburg City Council unanimously approved a six-month emergency moratorium on new data center proposals, effective immediately and lasting through April 5. The measure prevents the city from accepting or processing building permits and land-use applications for data centers during the pause.
Community Development Director Dan Carlson said Ellensburg's existing code does not specifically define or regulate data centers, creating a risk that an application could be submitted under current rules before the city establishes standards. City staff will use the moratorium to develop zoning, development and permitting requirements, and the council is expected to hold a public hearing within 60 days.