Clinton Twp. imposes 180-day moratorium on data centers
Clinton Township approved a 180-day moratorium on the siting and construction of data centers, despite having no current proposals. Township officials said the pause will allow them to study zoning, infrastructure, utility, noise and environmental impacts before considering future projects.
The Clinton Township Board of Trustees in Macomb County approved a 180-day moratorium on data center siting and construction. Township Supervisor Paul Gieleghem said the action was intended to let officials address zoning, infrastructure, master-plan, noise, utility and environmental issues proactively, while Trustee Dan Kress argued for a longer five-year freeze.
Township attorney Linda McGrail said courts have upheld moratoriums lasting about six months but warned that an outright ban could constitute exclusionary zoning. The action comes amid data center discussions elsewhere in Macomb County, including Lenox, Richmond and Washington townships; Lenox Township's previous moratorium expired after the Lenox & Chesterfield Economic Development Alliance threatened litigation.