Tuolumne County supervisors to consider pause on data centers

District 2 Supervisor Ryan Campbell has proposed that the Tuolumne County Board of Supervisors consider a 45-day moratorium on data center development during an upcoming public meeting. Campbell initiated the proposal in response to constituent concerns regarding the rapid proliferation of large data centers and their significant demands on electricity, water, and other infrastructure, noting the county's current building and zoning codes do not adequately define or regulate such facilities.

This action follows similar moratoriums recently adopted by the Calaveras County Board of Supervisors and the Angels Camp City Council. Campbell's memo to the board indicates that Tuolumne County has received interest from data center developers, though the Community Development Department has not formally received inquiries. The proposed moratorium aims to provide staff with time to research the industry, gather public input, and develop comprehensive regulations concerning site suitability, water and electricity use, fire protection, noise, and potential tax contributions, which Campbell believes are currently insufficient.

Campbell clarified that the proposal is not intended as a permanent ban but rather a temporary pause to ensure responsible development. While the City of Sonora, also in Tuolumne County, is not considering a moratorium, the county's board discussion on Tuesday marks the initial step towards potentially enacting an urgency ordinance for the temporary halt on data center projects.