Action Delayed on LA County Data Center Restrictions
A proposal to prohibit large-scale data centers in unincorporated Los Angeles County was sent back to Supervisor Hilda Solis’ office, delaying action by the Board of Supervisors. The proposed zoning amendment would define data centers by size, energy use and water consumption, while county officials also consider noise regulations and a possible moratorium for projects posing health or environmental risks.
The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors delayed action on Supervisor Hilda Solis’ proposal to direct the Department of Regional Planning to draft a zoning amendment prohibiting large-scale and hyperscale data centers in all zones of unincorporated county areas. The motion was referred back to Solis’ office, and no date was set for its return to the board.
The proposal cites concerns about data centers’ energy and water consumption, pollution, public health effects and low-frequency noise. It follows a county study and extensive public comments, including calls for a moratorium, while several San Gabriel Valley cities have moved to restrict or halt development. The motion would also assess noise-rule changes and prepare for a possible moratorium if a proposed facility presents an immediate threat to health, safety or environmental resources.