Fairfield to weigh moratorium on large data centers
The Fairfield City Council will consider a 45-day urgency ordinance temporarily prohibiting the acceptance and approval of data center applications and permits. The proposed moratorium follows inquiries from NorthPoint Development about a potential facility near Vanden Road and would give city staff time to study electricity, water, environmental, infrastructure and community impacts and develop regulations.
The Fairfield City Council has scheduled a special meeting to consider a 45-day moratorium on large data centers. The proposed urgency ordinance would halt applications, permits and related approvals for data centers and associated energy facilities while city staff examine impacts including electricity and water consumption, noise, air emissions, infrastructure demands and public health.
The action follows inquiries from NorthPoint Development about potentially purchasing a 289- to 300-acre site east of Vanden Road near Canon Road and North Gate Road. No formal data center application has been filed, but the city’s current land-use rules could potentially allow such a facility under industrial classifications that do not specifically regulate data centers. Approval requires at least six votes from the seven-member council, and the city could later consider broader General Plan and zoning changes.