Pinellas Park considers pause on AI data centers
Pinellas Park is considering a one-year moratorium on new data centers to allow city staff time to develop appropriate zoning regulations. This proposal stems from an application by American Tower for an AI data center, which highlighted deficiencies in the current zoning code regarding this type of facility. The City Council will hold a first reading on the proposed moratorium on July 21.
The Pinellas Park City Council is slated to consider a proposed one-year moratorium on new data centers on July 21, prompted by a development application from American Tower. The company submitted plans to redevelop an industrial property at 10700 76th Court N. into a 17,000-square-foot artificial intelligence data processing facility, which would be the first of its kind in Pinellas County.
Community Development Administrator Nick Colonna stated that the city's current land development code does not adequately classify AI data centers, leading staff to determine that the project should undergo a conditional use review rather than being approved as a warehouse. American Tower has not yet submitted the conditional use application. Officials aim to use the moratorium period to study potential impacts on electrical infrastructure, water consumption, wastewater systems, emergency services, and neighborhood compatibility before establishing permanent regulations.
Vice Mayor Ricky Butler supports the pause, noting public concerns and the need for a consistent approach across Pinellas County. Environmental groups, including Sierra Club Florida, also welcome the moratorium, citing concerns about electricity demand, water usage, and flood risks in Florida's hurricane-prone environment. The proposed ordinance, if approved on its first reading, will proceed to a public hearing and a final vote.