Oakley leaders hint at possible permanent ban on data centers

Oakley, California, officials are actively pursuing a permanent ban on data centers within city limits, seeking to update zoning ordinances and tighten regulations. The city previously enacted a temporary moratorium, which was recently extended until April 14, 2027. During a joint City Council and Planning Commission work session, councilmembers Anissa Williams and Shannon Shaw expressed a desire for precise language in new ordinances to prevent potential developers from circumventing regulations by reclassifying data center operations.

Planning Commissioner Sean Ireland suggested incorporating "objective criteria" into the ordinance to address external impacts such as water and power consumption, noise, and environmental risks. Vice Mayor Aaron Meadows requested further information on potential health effects and appropriate distances from residential areas. Planning Commission Vice Chair Kerry Harvey also advocated for designating all data centers as heavy industrial use and urged officials to protect the city's water resources.

Community Development Director Ken Strelo noted that Oakley's current municipal code lacks a definition for data centers, considering them an unclassified use. He also highlighted the city's limited heavy industrial zoning, making it an unattractive location for large-scale data centers. Strelo affirmed the city's legal ability to implement an outright ban, citing land use and environmental considerations, provided such a ban is supported by comprehensive findings and does not preclude other reasonable industrial commercial uses for properties. Officials agreed to a second joint workshop to draft a ban ordinance, though City Attorney Derek Cole cautioned that a draft by year-end would be ambitious due to meeting schedules and upcoming elections.