Palm Springs City Council Approves Temp Ban on Data Centers
The Palm Springs City Council unanimously enacted a 45-day moratorium on data center applications. This temporary ban allows the city to evaluate data center uses and establish specific regulations as part of an ongoing zoning code update. The action addresses concerns over data centers' substantial consumption of electricity and water.
The Palm Springs City Council has unanimously approved an urgency ordinance establishing a 45-day moratorium on data center applications. The temporary ban, effective until October 10, prohibits the acceptance, processing, or approval of data center-related permits and entitlements.
The city's action stems from the lack of specific regulations for data centers within current municipal and zoning codes. City officials highlighted that data centers, defined as facilities storing vast amounts of data for traditional computing and artificial intelligence, consume significant amounts of electricity, water, and other local resources. Councilman Ron deHarte expressed support for the moratorium, stating it provides crucial time to study the issue and consult experts.
Palm Springs is not alone in this measure, as nearby cities Indio and Desert Hot Springs have implemented similar temporary blocks. Coachella has taken a more permanent stance, enacting a full prohibition on data centers within its city limits.