Oakley Planning Commission Recommends Citywide Data Center Ban
The Oakley Planning Commission voted 4-0-1 to recommend that the City Council adopt a total ban on artificial intelligence and other data centers, excluding small auxiliary server rooms. The City Council will consider final approval at a future meeting, following a one-year moratorium and months of public debate over data center development.
Oakley’s Planning Commission recommended a citywide ban on data centers, including A.I. facilities, in a 4-0-1 vote on Oct. 20. The proposed ordinance would allow only small auxiliary server rooms used by businesses, and the Oakley City Council must still deliberate and take final action.
Community Development Director Ken Strelo said the city wanted to act quickly because data center development and public opposition had grown rapidly while state and federal regulations remained under development. Oakley residents have voiced strong opposition at earlier meetings, although resident Jason Lester argued that a permanent ban could cost the city jobs and suggested adopting only a temporary prohibition. The city previously enacted a 45-day moratorium in April and extended it to one year in May.