Morgan Hill extends data center application moratorium to develop new standards
The Morgan Hill City Council voted unanimously to extend its temporary moratorium on new freestanding data center and large-scale battery storage applications by 22 months and 15 days. The extension gives the city time to develop standards addressing air pollution, noise, water and energy use, and infrastructure impacts.
The Morgan Hill City Council voted 5-0 on Oct. 21 to extend the city’s temporary moratorium on new applications for freestanding data centers and large-scale battery storage facilities by 22 months and 15 days. City staff expects updated development standards to be completed before the moratorium expires, and the council may lift the pause once those standards are adopted.
The extension drew opposition from union representatives, who cited potential construction jobs and urged the city to develop standards without halting applications. The letter’s author supported the extension, arguing that it gives Morgan Hill time to establish protections and gather community input before a project can be approved and built.