Woodburn eyes data center issues by considering temporary moratorium
The City of Woodburn, Oregon, is considering a temporary moratorium on new data center development, having issued a 45-day notice to the Oregon Department of Land Conservation and Development. This action follows public concerns about data centers' impacts on infrastructure, land use, water, and electricity, and comes as developer Verrus explores a site nearby. The city previously amended its development ordinance to make data centers a conditional use, ensuring public hearings.
The City of Woodburn, Oregon, has initiated the process to potentially enact a temporary moratorium on new data center developments within city limits. On Thursday, the city issued a 45-day notice to the Oregon Department of Land Conservation and Development (DLCD), a statutory requirement before the City Council can deliberate on and adopt such a measure. This move aims to provide the city and its residents adequate time to evaluate the long-term impacts of large-scale, high-intensity uses like data centers, reflecting growing community concerns.
The city's consideration comes amid "chaos and criticism" surrounding data center development, specifically addressing potential negative impacts such as significant water consumption, strain on local electrical grids leading to increased utility bills, and noise and air pollution. While no immediate projects are confirmed, a data center developer named Verrus is reportedly "exploring the possibility of developing a data center in or near Woodburn," according to a city post on Facebook.
Prior to this, in June 2026, Woodburn amended its Development Ordinance to classify data centers as a conditional use within the Southwest Industrial Reserve Area. Community Development Director Chris Kerr stated this amendment guarantees a public hearing and allows the city to impose conditions to mitigate adverse effects or deny applications. City Manager Scott Derickson emphasized that the moratorium notice is intended to facilitate careful consideration by the community and city leadership regarding infrastructure demand and compatibility with existing land uses. A public hearing may follow the 45-day notice period.