Hayward Council to consider move to ban data centers at its upcoming Sept. 15 meeting
The Hayward City Council is set to discuss a potential ban on new data center development in the city at its upcoming September 15 meeting. This action stems from a legislative referral by Mayor Mark Salinas, Mayor Pro Tempore George Syrop, and Councilmember Angela Andrews, in response to significant public outcry regarding data center impacts. If approved, City staff will begin amending the zoning code to prohibit new data centers.
The Hayward City Council is scheduled to discuss a potential ban on new data center development within the city limits during its September 15 meeting. This discussion follows a formal legislative referral submitted by Mayor Mark Salinas, Mayor Pro Tempore George Syrop, and Councilmember Angela Andrews.
The referral directs City staff to initiate the process of amending Hayward's zoning code to prohibit the construction of new data centers. This move comes in response to "significant public outcry" concerning the economic and environmental impacts associated with data center operations.
Additionally, the referral mandates the establishment of a system to monitor and report on the economic and environmental effects of data centers that have already been approved or are currently operating in Hayward. If the City Council backs the referral, staff will then prepare a specific ordinance or zoning code amendment for a subsequent Council vote.