Palm Springs City Council Will Consider Extending Temporary Data Center Ban
The Palm Springs City Council is set to consider extending a temporary 45-day moratorium on data center applications to a period of two years. This extension is needed because the city's current municipal and zoning codes lack specific definitions and regulations for data centers. The Department of Planning Services requires additional time to analyze data center impacts and develop appropriate land-use regulations.
The Palm Springs City Council is scheduled to vote next week on whether to extend a temporary moratorium on data center applications from 45 days to two years. The existing moratorium, which temporarily prohibits the acceptance, processing, or approval of data center-related applications and permits, was unanimously enacted by the council on August 26 and is set to expire on October 10.
According to a staff report, the city's current municipal and zoning codes do not adequately define or regulate data centers, leaving a gap in policies for such uses. The Department of Planning Services has requested additional time to conduct comprehensive analyses of data centers to understand their uses and potential impacts. This research is crucial for developing appropriate land-use regulations as part of the city's ongoing zoning code update process. City staff recommends extending the ordinance for an additional 22 months and 15 days, allowing for a thorough review both internally and with community input. The council meeting is set for 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday at 3200 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way.