Chamblee City Council adopts temporary moratorium on data centers

The Chamblee City Council has voted to enact an immediate 180-day moratorium on new data center applications, effective until January 16, 2027. This decision, made during a regular meeting, prevents the city from accepting any new development applications for these facilities.

At-Large Councilmember Jimmy Furst spearheaded the measure, stating that the city has a responsibility to plan ahead and ensure regulations keep pace with emerging forms of development. Furst highlighted concerns regarding data centers' significant impacts on energy use, water resources, tree canopy, stormwater infrastructure, noise, and nearby neighborhoods, emphasizing the need to establish local standards before applications are submitted.

The temporary pause will allow local leaders time to review existing city codes and determine if updated zoning standards are necessary to protect public health, safety, and community welfare. Chamblee officials have not yet specified when draft revisions to the zoning code will be presented to the public, nor have they announced if any data center applications were submitted prior to the vote.