Jeffersonville City Council approves data center moratorium
The Jeffersonville City Council has approved a one-year moratorium on new data center development, extending an initially proposed six-month pause. The decision allows the city administration time to research and investigate zoning issues, particularly concerning industrial zones adjacent to residential areas. This action follows New Albany's temporary moratorium and ongoing discussions in Charlestown regarding data center ordinances.
The Jeffersonville City Council recently passed a one-year moratorium on new data center development. Initially, the city administration had proposed a six-month pause, but Council Member Jackie Snelling suggested extending it to a full year. This move pushes the expiration of the moratorium to mid-2027.
Leaders stated that the extended moratorium provides them with crucial time to conduct research and investigate necessary actions ahead of the next legislative session. A primary concern highlighted is that data centers, often located in industrial zones, can be situated adjacent to residential areas, whether they are single-family or multifamily homes. The moratorium aims to address potential problems arising from this proximity.
The action in Jeffersonville is not isolated; New Albany has also passed its own temporary moratorium on data centers. Additionally, Charlestown leaders are currently debating adding an ordinance related to data centers, especially after having approved a new data center project.