Littleton approves six-month moratorium on data centers
The Littleton City Council unanimously approved a six-month moratorium on new data center applications and related development approvals. City staff will use the pause to develop rules addressing data centers’ potential energy, water, noise, emissions and land-use impacts.
The Littleton City Council unanimously approved a six-month moratorium on new data center applications on Nov. 3. The pause covers rezoning, site development plans, subdivisions, use approvals, building permits and other development approvals while city staff develop standards for future facilities.
City Attorney Reid Betzing said Littleton has not received any data center applications and described six months as a legally reasonable period for studying land-use rules. Mayor Kyle Schlachter said the city does not currently face a data center problem but should establish policies before applications arrive, while Councilmember Joel Zink said the city should consider whether to prohibit data centers altogether.
The proposed policy work will examine energy, water, noise, emissions and land-use effects. During public comment, Denver resident Andrew Klarecki urged the council to adopt a permanent ban, citing environmental and social concerns.