Orion Township latest to pass data center moratorium
Orion Township in Michigan has approved a six-month moratorium on new data center development. The measure allows township officials to research and draft specific zoning regulations for data centers, addressing concerns such as water and energy consumption. Officials emphasized this is not a ban but a temporary pause to ensure smart and effective ordinances.
Orion Township trustees in Michigan unanimously approved a six-month moratorium on new data center development, effective immediately. The decision, made at the request of the township's planning commission and planning and zoning department, aims to provide officials with time to study the rapidly growing industry and draft specific zoning regulations.
Supervisor Chris Barnett clarified that the moratorium is not an outright ban, which would be legally impermissible. Instead, it is a temporary measure to address the fact that the township's current zoning ordinance, Ordinance No. 78, does not specifically account for modern data centers. The six-month period will be used to develop amendments addressing unique characteristics like water consumption, energy use, utility requirements, and environmental safeguards.
Trustee Jack Lovat, who moved to adopt the moratorium, stated it allows the township to gather data and prepare for potential development proposals. Treasurer Matt Pfeiffer echoed these sentiments, highlighting significant ramifications concerning energy and water use, which are critical issues for the community. Township attorney Brittney Ellis confirmed that any data center application filed before new ordinance changes are adopted would be reviewed under existing zoning rules.
Orion Township joins a growing list of Michigan communities that have implemented or are considering moratoriums on data center developments, including Armada, Dundee, Grand Blanc, Lenox, Manchester, Pittsfield, and Springfield Townships, as well as the Village of Romeo.