San Mateo County Considers Data Center Ban on Oct. 20
San Mateo County supervisors will consider a resolution directing staff to study new zoning rules that could ultimately ban data centers on unincorporated land. The review follows the rejection of Global Stack LLC's proposal for a data center at the San Mateo County Event Center and will examine potential effects on water, energy use, public health and the community.
San Mateo County supervisors are scheduled to consider an Oct. 20 resolution directing county staff to evaluate zoning regulations for data centers on unincorporated land. The review will assess whether data centers should be allowed at all and whether a future ordinance should prohibit them, but the resolution itself would not enact a ban.
The action follows the county's rejection of Global Stack LLC's proposal to build a data center at the San Mateo County Event Center in San Mateo. County Executive Mike Callagy said there was no interest in hosting the facility, while Supervisors Noelia Corzo and Lisa Gauthier sponsored the resolution. Officials cited concerns about community impacts, including energy and water consumption, public health, safety and well-being.
The proposal is part of a broader wave of Northern California restrictions on data center development. Brisbane, San Francisco and Oakland have adopted temporary pauses, while Calexico and Monterey Park have enacted permanent bans. California Gov. Gavin Newsom has also signed legislation requiring data center developers to disclose projected water use and prepare water scarcity plans before receiving local approvals.