Jersey City introduces ordinance to ban data centers on industrial land
Jersey City officials have introduced an ordinance to ban data centers as a primary use on industrial land, aiming to preserve land for job-creating uses and mitigate strain on utility resources. The proposed measure, Ordinance 26-057, seeks to amend the city's Land Development Ordinance. A final vote by the City Council is scheduled for August 19.
Jersey City officials, including Mayor James Solomon and the City Council, have introduced Ordinance 26-057, which proposes to ban data centers as the primary principal use of industrial property within the city. The measure, which had its first reading on July 15, aims to amend the city's Land Development Ordinance by removing data centers from the list of principal permitted uses in Industrial Districts, along with associated parking standards and a new definition clarifying data centers are not warehousing.
Officials contend that data centers consume significant amounts of electricity and water while creating relatively few permanent jobs, thus putting pressure on the city's industrial land and utility infrastructure. Mayor Solomon stated the ban is intended to preserve industrial land for uses that generate more local jobs and prevent utility bill increases for residents. Ward D Councilmember Jake Ephros echoed these concerns, highlighting the financial burden on Jersey City families from rising utility costs.
The proposed ban would not affect the approximately five existing data centers in Jersey City, which are located downtown in shared office buildings. Advocacy groups such as Climate Revolution Action Network, Hudson County DSA, and Food & Water Watch North Jersey have expressed support for the ordinance, emphasizing the need to prioritize job-providing industrial uses and reduce strain on the electric grid and water supplies. A final vote on the ordinance by the Jersey City Council is scheduled for August 19.