Winlock city councilors enact six-month moratorium on data center development to create building code guidelines
The Winlock City Council unanimously enacted a six-month moratorium on data center development to allow time for drafting new commercial and industrial building codes. This measure aims to establish guidelines addressing concerns over water supply, noise pollution, and electrical demand. The moratorium is temporary, intended to create a framework for future development.
The Winlock City Council in Washington state unanimously enacted a six-month moratorium on data center development, effective September 23. Mayor Victoria Marincin clarified that the temporary ban is not intended to halt data center growth permanently but to allow the Winlock Planning & Park Commission sufficient time to draft new commercial and industrial building codes. These updated guidelines aim to address potential concerns related to the city's water supply, noise pollution, and electrical demand that could arise from such developments.
During the special meeting, which also included a discussion and vote on a council vacancy, residents and officials voiced perspectives on the moratorium. Lewis County Planning Commission member Jeff Skutley, while not advocating for or against the moratorium, emphasized the importance of proper process, including review by the planning commission, public hearings, and SEPA (State Environmental Policy Act) review, citing significant runoff and energy/water usage concerns. Councilor David Anderson supported the temporary measure to create protective ordinances, while Councilor Alishia Hornburg ultimately agreed on the need to update city code to accommodate new industrial developments. The moratorium was approved unanimously, signaling the city's intent to establish comprehensive "guard rails" for future industrial ventures in Winlock.