Metro area city council votes unanimously to enact 30-day data center moratorium
The City of Milton, Georgia, has unanimously voted to enact a 30-day moratorium on all data center applications and permits within city limits. This decision comes as data centers are a highly discussed land use in the metro Atlanta area, prompting the city to pause and review related concerns and opportunities. Officials noted the possibility of extending the moratorium in the future.
The City Council of Milton, Georgia, voted unanimously Monday night to impose a 30-day moratorium on all data center applications and permit requests. This temporary halt includes applications for rezoning, land disturbance permits, building permits, special use or conditional use permits, and business licenses or certificates of occupancy.
Milton City Attorney Ken Jarrard stated the decision was influenced by recent discussions surrounding data centers in the broader metro Atlanta region, acknowledging their capacity to present both concerns and opportunities. He described the action as a common practice for local governments exercising their zoning authority to take a pause on potential new developments.
City officials indicated that the moratorium could be extended following a future vote. The measure aims to allow the city time to consider the implications of data center development.