Lawrence City Commission to consider 1-year moratorium on data centers
The Lawrence City Commission is considering a one-year moratorium on new data center development, prompted by resident concerns about potential strains on water and electricity, noise, and light pollution. The proposed ordinance would temporarily ban new permits while city staff research changes to the land development code, though it includes a process for exceptions.
The Lawrence City Commission is set to consider a one-year moratorium on data center development in the city, an initiative driven by community concerns. Residents realized that the new land development code, approved in November 2024, would allow large data centers to be developed "by right" in certain industrial zones and with special use permits in mixed-use or downtown commercial districts, bypassing public review.
Community members have expressed anxieties regarding the potential strain on water and electricity supplies, increased noise and light pollution, and changes to the local landscape. While no specific large-scale data center plans have been filed in Douglas County, advocates have urged the commission to enact a moratorium as a preventative measure. City staff were tasked last month to draft the ordinance.
Jeff Crick, Director of Planning and Development Services, noted that the moratorium would allow staff time to research data center uses and provide information to the commission for potential amendments to the Land Development Code. The proposed ordinance would prevent the issuance of building permits, site plans, or special use permits for data centers for 12 months, or until the city amends or repeals the ordinance. However, it includes an exception process, allowing property owners to request a hearing within 30 days to potentially lift the moratorium for their specific property. The commission will discuss the matter at a public meeting on July 14.