Suffolk moves toward temporary data center ban
The Suffolk City Council voted to place a proposed temporary ban on data centers on its June 17 agenda. This measure aims to prevent new data center applications while the city develops permanent regulations for the industry. The Council is concerned about data centers not being specifically addressed in the city's Unified Development Ordinance.
The Suffolk City Council in Virginia has initiated a move towards implementing a temporary moratorium on data center development within the city. During a recent meeting, the Council voted 8-0 to place a proposed temporary ban on its June 17 agenda. The measure seeks to prohibit data centers in all zoning districts until the Council can adopt comprehensive, permanent regulations for the rapidly growing industry.
Council Member John Rector, who proposed the ban, stated that planning staff requires additional time to draft an ordinance, as data centers represent a new and complex land use. Mayor Mike Duman supported the request, highlighting that data centers are not explicitly mentioned in Suffolk's Unified Development Ordinance (UDO), which could lead to legal challenges if a project were proposed "by right" in an M-2 zoning district. The temporary ban is intended to prevent the city from being "blindsided" by such applications and avoid potential legal issues while permanent rules are established.