Escambia Commission Approves Ordinance Banning Data Centers, Starts Process For Moratorium

The Escambia County Commission took decisive action on Thursday night, approving an ordinance that bans large-scale data centers from the unincorporated areas of Escambia County, excluding the cities of Pensacola and Century. Concurrently, the commission began the legal steps required to enact a moratorium on data center development within the county.

These measures reinforce a resolution passed in late July, which formally declared that data center facilities are inconsistent with the County's Land Development Code and are deemed an inappropriate form of development for unincorporated areas. County Attorney Designate William Nelson affirmed that while the ordinance was acceptable for clarity, the existing Land Development Code already prohibited such activities because they are not specifically included. Commissioner Steve Stroberger echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the risks of creating new definitions.

Commissioner Mike Kohler advocated for both the ordinance and a moratorium, receiving support from fellow commissioners, including District 5 Commissioner Steven Barry, who saw it as an additional layer of protection for the community. Commissioner Lumon May, who cast the sole vote against the initial resolution, argued that data centers were already effectively banned by the Land Development Code and that introducing a moratorium might actually dilute the existing prohibition. Nelson clarified that a moratorium would necessitate two public hearings before a final vote, a step that could not be taken during Thursday's meeting.