Pere Marquette Township to consider one-year data center moratorium
Pere Marquette Charter Township is considering a proposed one-year moratorium on new data center developments. The move aims to allow officials time to study the impacts and develop proper regulations, as current zoning ordinances do not specifically address data centers. Concerns include high electrical and water consumption, as well as noise.
The Pere Marquette Charter Township Board of Trustees in Michigan is set to review a proposed ordinance for a one-year moratorium on new data center developments. The measure aims to temporarily halt permitting, review, approval, construction, and installation of data centers to allow township officials time to study and develop appropriate regulations.
Officials noted that the current zoning ordinance lacks definitions or regulations for data centers, leading to concerns that facilities could be developed without adequate local standards. The proposed Ordinance No. 162 specifically highlights potential impacts such as high electrical and water consumption, noise, and issues related to power generation equipment and battery energy storage systems.
The moratorium could be extended if deemed necessary, but also includes a waiver process for property owners who can demonstrate immediate and irreparable harm. This initiative underscores the township's intent to protect public health, safety, and welfare by establishing comprehensive standards for data center design, size, location, and operation.