Minnetrista puts 1-year moratorium on data center development
The Minnetrista City Council has approved a one-year moratorium on data center development. This pause will allow the city to establish rules and regulations for data centers, as new projects are emerging elsewhere in the metro area. The decision was made to proactively address potential developments despite some council opposition.
The Minnetrista City Council voted 3-1 at its August 3 meeting to enact a one-year moratorium on data center development, giving the city time to create specific ordinances and regulations for such facilities. Community Development Director David Abel noted that while no applications have been received, the measure is a proactive step given emerging data center projects in the broader metropolitan area. Mayor Lisa Whalen emphasized the need for new rules, as Minnetrista currently lacks any governing data center construction.
Council member Brian Govern opposed the moratorium, advocating instead for only a study. He argued that data centers could present an economic opportunity for Minnetrista and that a moratorium might deter potential developers. Govern also stated that data centers do not inherently pose unique risks compared to other heavy industrial uses and pointed out that any proposed data center would likely require rezoning, providing the council with an inherent review mechanism.
The moratorium will be in effect for one year, during which the city aims to develop a comprehensive regulatory framework. This decision reflects a cautious approach by Minnetrista to manage potential industrial growth and its implications.