Data centers aren’t banned in Fresno — yet. Here’s what the city council did instead

The Fresno City Council has unanimously voted 7-0 to begin the process of enacting a 10-year moratorium on "AI/cloud data centers" within the city, a move that could take four to eight months to finalize. The resolution directs city staff to clearly define data centers in the municipal code and prohibit their use for a decade, after which the ban would become permanent unless amended by future councils.

Councilmember Nick Richardson, who introduced the proposed ban, highlighted the Central Valley's chronic water issues as a primary concern. Mayor Jerry Dyer co-sponsored the item, adding that data centers occupy significant land while creating relatively few permanent jobs compared to other potential uses. Councilmembers Brandon Vang and Miguel Arias requested amendments to ensure the ban applies to both current and future annexed land, specifically mentioning potential developments in the proposed southeast Fresno area. Arias also asked for notification of any data center applications, including those for auxiliary uses.

City Planning Director Jennifer Clark confirmed there are no current data center applications in Fresno and explained the process, which involves review by the Airport Land Use and Planning Commissions, and potentially state environmental review. Public commenters, including environmental and youth advocacy groups, supported the ban, citing water, noise, air pollution, and public health concerns. Councilmember Annalisa Perea sought clarification on whether the ban would apply to all data centers or only those exceeding specific thresholds like two megawatts of energy demand or 20,000 square feet, to which Clark responded that the definitions would be developed to ensure a comprehensive prohibition.