Mayor Lurie signs data center moratorium, pausing new development
San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie signed a 45-day moratorium pausing new data center development across the city. The moratorium directs the San Francisco Planning Department to study data centers’ impacts and develop regulations addressing community needs, energy and water use, and environmental concerns.
San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie signed a 45-day moratorium on new data center development after the Board of Supervisors unanimously approved the measure. Authored by Supervisor Shamann Walton and expedited by Board President Rafael Mandelman, the moratorium requires the San Francisco Planning Department to study data centers and develop controls for future projects.
Lurie said the city would use the pause to create a responsible framework while keeping electricity rates low and protecting clean water and air. Walton has criticized the city’s zoning code for lacking a clear definition of data centers and called for greater transparency about water and energy demands, enforceable community benefits, and opportunities for residents to comment before projects are approved.