Medford city staff directed to fine-tune data center rules
Medford City Council and Planning Commission directed city staff to develop clearer zoning and design rules for future data centers, including possible limits on size, location, noise and environmental impacts. Residents and advocacy groups are opposing potential hyperscale facilities, while a local petition calls for preventing construction of an AI data center in the city.
Medford officials are considering changes to city land-use rules after a joint study session on the potential impacts of future data centers. Staff were directed to draft guidelines covering facility categories, allowable zones, building size, setbacks from homes, noise and glare, although no data center applications are currently pending and only smaller facilities operate in the city, including a Data Center West site on Welch Street.
The discussion reflected concerns about electricity use, cooling-water demand, infrastructure and environmental effects associated with hyperscale facilities. Planning Commission member Rachel Bennett raised the possibility of a moratorium, while officials cautioned that a pause would require action within 120 days. Medford resident Matthew Damigos launched a petition opposing construction of an AI data center, as city officials weigh development and potential tax benefits against community concerns.