Cleveland Considers Extending Data Center Moratorium Into 2027
Cleveland City Council is considering extending the city’s temporary freeze on new standalone data centers until January 29, 2027. The extension would give officials more time to develop zoning and other regulations addressing residents’ concerns about grid stability, environmental impacts, water use and neighborhood effects.
Cleveland officials are considering extending the city’s temporary moratorium on new standalone data centers from its scheduled October 20, 2026, expiration to January 29, 2027. The proposal is expected to go before the City Council’s finance committee during the week of October 19 and then advance to the full council. The pause prevents the review or issuance of permits and approvals for new standalone facilities while the city develops industry-specific rules.
The proposed extension follows rejection of a 150-megawatt data center proposal in Slavic Village and a series of public hearings led by Ward 13 Councilman Brian Kazy. Residents raised concerns about electricity demand, environmental effects, water usage and zoning, while Kazy’s working group reviews data center regulations from other jurisdictions. Cleveland’s deliberations are occurring alongside data center moratoriums and policy initiatives elsewhere in Ohio, including a statewide pause on new data center tax exemption requests ordered by Gov. Mike DeWine.