Mendocino County supes ban data centers—for the moment, at least
Mendocino County supervisors unanimously voted to enact an emergency 45-day moratorium on new data center construction in the unincorporated areas of the county. The urgency ordinance took effect immediately, citing a lack of county code definitions and regulations for data centers. The ban broadly covers various types of data center facilities, preventing applications for building and use permits.
Mendocino County supervisors unanimously approved an urgency ordinance establishing an immediate 45-day moratorium on new data center development in the unincorporated areas of the county. The ban, which took effect immediately and runs until October 16 unless extended, aims to prevent applications from being processed while the county develops specific regulations.
Deputy County Counsel Matthew Kiedrowski explained that the current county code lacks definitions or regulations for data centers, potentially allowing them to be approved through routine building permits. The ordinance specifically targets hyperscale, colocation, cloud computing, AI training, high-performance computing, and blockchain/cryptocurrency mining facilities, halting all related permits including use, variance, grading, and building permits.
The supervisors, including District 3 Supervisor John Haschak and District 5 Supervisor Ted Williams who sponsored the language, had instructed staff to draft the ordinance on July 7. While the board packet did not name any specific applicants, it stated the county "anticipates receiving" inquiries. During public comment, Eileen Russell, community engagement manager for Mendocino Redwood Company, urged the board to consider the industry's needs.