Fort Collins City Council Advances Six-Month Moratorium on New Data Centers
The Fort Collins City Council unanimously advanced the first reading of a six-month moratorium on certain new data center developments. The proposed pause, which requires a second reading, would give city officials time to create permanent rules addressing electricity demand, water use, infrastructure, and other impacts.
The Fort Collins City Council voted unanimously on Oct. 20 to advance Ordinance No. 147, a proposed six-month moratorium on new data center applications. The measure would cover facilities proposed as a property’s primary use and accessory facilities with electrical demand exceeding 10 megawatts. A second reading is scheduled for Nov. 3, and the moratorium would remain in effect through April 6, 2027, if approved.
The proposal follows concerns from city officials about electricity consumption, water supplies, utility infrastructure, noise, and impacts on nearby properties. It could affect a proposed computing facility from Prime Holdings at 2120 Midpoint Drive, although the project has not submitted a formal application. Prime Holdings representatives sought an exemption, saying the facility would support hospitals, universities, and other organizations and would not use potable water, but council members did not grant the request. Councilmember Josh Fudge previously questioned the 10-megawatt threshold, while the full council supported the ordinance’s first reading.