Palm Beach County zoning board backs data center moratorium
Palm Beach County's zoning commission has unanimously recommended a one-year moratorium on new large-scale data center proposals. The proposed moratorium, which applies to projects using 50MW or more, aims to allow county leaders time to draft new regulations concerning noise, water use, and electrical demand. Concerns were raised about potential loopholes in the definition of "large-scale data center" and the effectiveness of the one-year timeframe.
Palm Beach County leaders are moving to temporarily halt new large-scale data center proposals. The zoning commission unanimously recommended a one-year moratorium during a public hearing, though some commissioners questioned if one year would be sufficient.
County commissioners approved a proposed definition for a large-scale data center but noted it requires further refinement due to potential loopholes for developers. During the moratorium, county staff will draft new regulations to address issues such as noise, water use, electrical demand, and appropriate facility locations. Currently, the moratorium applies to projects consuming 50 megawatts of power or more, leading to concerns that developers might bypass it by building facilities just under this threshold.
Commissioners emphasized the need for clearer language and independent studies to ensure groundwater protection, aquifer sustainability, and to address noise, water demand, and electrical infrastructure impacts. The recommendation will proceed to the Palm Beach County Board of Commissioners for a hearing in August, followed by a decision in September. The county has already ceased accepting new large-scale data center applications but will continue reviewing those submitted before July 7th.