Camdenton to consider 12-month moratorium on data centers

The Camdenton Board of Aldermen will review a bill on Tuesday night that proposes a one-year moratorium on the approval, permitting, and construction of data centers within the city. This measure aims to provide the city with sufficient time to conduct a comprehensive review and adopt new regulations, including zoning standards, grading permits, site plan and architectural review, conditional use permit requirements, utility cost recovery mechanisms, and infrastructure planning provisions. The proposed bill highlights public concerns regarding data centers as high-intensity users of electricity and water resources, noting their potential impact on municipal infrastructure such as electric systems, water supply, wastewater systems, land use compatibility, and emergency services. If passed, the moratorium would immediately stop all processing and issuance of permits for new data center projects or expansions. The temporary moratorium would expire after 12 months or upon the approval of new data center regulations, whichever occurs first. The city has committed to drafting and adopting specific data center zoning regulations, establishing conditional use permit standards, evaluating utility capacity and cost recovery policies, and conducting at least one public hearing before implementing the new rules.