Brentwood City Council Agrees to Look at Data Center Ban

The Brentwood City Council recently voted to direct city staff to explore developing a comprehensive policy, potentially including a prohibition, on data centers within city limits. This unanimous decision, made during the July 28 meeting, came after Councilmembers Faye Maloney and Jovita Mendoza raised concerns, citing issues observed in nearby cities like Oakley and Pittsburg.

Councilmember Maloney emphasized the need to classify data centers by measurable land use impacts, rather than by their specific technology (e.g., AI or cloud-based). She specifically requested that staff define electrical demand by a project's maximum planned capacity and consider detailed water usage. Maloney expressed a desire to preserve land for uses offering greater community benefit, such as housing, parks, retail, and light industrial uses, while also addressing large-scale AI computing server operations and even server operations within residential properties.

Councilmember Mendoza also highlighted concerns about battery storage facilities alongside data centers, noting that Tracy had recently rejected a battery storage project due to water and energy consumption. Mayor Susannah Meyer acknowledged the "hot topic" nature of data centers and the public's concern.

The council's directive specifically instructs staff to consider classifications, zoning, permitting requirements, and restrictions based on facility sizes, electrical demand, water use, noise, public safety, and impacts on surrounding properties and infrastructure. Staff will also address the prohibition of commercial or large-scale AI computing data centers and solicited server operations within homes, distinguishing them from normal residential computer use. Recommendations are expected at a future date, informed by policies in surrounding cities.