Superior council enacts data center moratorium

The Superior City Council unanimously approved a one-year moratorium on data center development applications on Tuesday, June 16. The decision halts the consideration of any new data center projects for the next year, giving the city's Plan Commission time to address the lack of clear definitions and zoning regulations for data centers in the existing code.

Councilor Garner Moffat, who proposed the moratorium, stated that many communities are being "blindsided by big proposals" due to insufficient guidelines. The Plan Commission is now tasked with defining data center uses, determining appropriate zoning districts, exploring environmental, economic, utility, and infrastructure impacts, and developing design, buffering, and performance standards. These recommendations are intended for inclusion in the city's new zoning code.

Residents expressed mixed reactions to the moratorium. Jeremy Lambert of South Range questioned the need for a full halt during research, suggesting the city could simply choose not to move forward with projects. Conversely, Joe Stenslund of South Superior supported the hold, emphasizing the importance of thorough research before considering applications. Councilor Tylor Elm attempted to amend the resolution to define data centers more specifically, focusing on regional or hyperscale facilities over 50,000 square feet that consume large volumes of energy and water, but his proposal failed on a 5-5 vote. Mayor Jim Paine confirmed the Plan Commission would begin its work at its next meeting, scheduled for July 14.