Data Centers: Daily Notes | August 27, 2026

Martin County, Florida

Martin County commissioners voted 4–1 to place a discussion of a potential data center moratorium on their next meeting agenda after residents urged the board to act before hyperscale projects advance.

The pause would give the county time to study environmental impacts, infrastructure demands, and possible rules for future proposals. Commissioner Edward Ciampi pushed for a yearlong review period, and Commissioner Eileen Vargas said the timeline could shift as staff gathers more information. Residents raised concerns about water use, noise, air quality, and property values, and commissioners signaled they want to evaluate these issues before any large facilities move forward.

Tallahassee, Florida

Tallahassee commissioners rejected a proposal to explicitly ban AI data centers, but officials clarified that current land development rules already prevent such facilities from locating in the city without a future vote to change zoning.

Tallahassee commissioners reject proposed ban on AI data centers

City officials say Tallahassee’s existing land development code already prevents AI data centers from locating within city limits without affirmative action by

WTWCFOXFox 49 News

The 3–2 decision came after Commissioner Jeremy Matlow sought to define and prohibit AI data centers in code, a move staff said was unnecessary because the use is not currently allowed. Commissioners also discussed limits on the city’s electric utility, noting that service obligations apply only if a facility is legally permitted to operate. The outcome leaves Tallahassee’s existing protections in place, meaning no AI data center can be approved unless the commission first takes affirmative action to allow it.

Anniston, Alabama

Anniston adopted a resolution establishing a 12 month moratorium on permitting, licensing, and developing data centers so the city can evaluate how large facilities fit within its zoning framework.

Officials said the pause is meant to give the planning commission time to study issues like utility demand, cooling systems, stormwater impacts, transportation needs, and separation from residential areas. The review will produce recommendations within six months, and the council may adjust the moratorium length depending on progress. Existing zoning does not fully contemplate modern hyperscale facilities, and the city wants clear standards in place before any proposal moves forward.

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Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Cedar Rapids officials are facing growing pressure as realtors say an influx of data center workers is tightening the local housing market and driving homes to sell in an average of five days.

The surge in temporary and long‑term workers has pushed rents up between 10 and 35 percent, creating challenges for residents seeking starter homes under $250,000. Mayor Tiffany O’Donnell said the city is responding by incentivizing single‑family home construction and providing infrastructure support to encourage more development. Realtors warn that hundreds of new homes and additional rentals will be needed as data center construction continues for several years.

Palm Springs, California

Palm Springs City Council unanimously approved a 45 day moratorium on large‑scale data centers, giving the city time to study water, energy, and infrastructure impacts before deciding on permanent rules.

Palm Springs City Council approves temporary data center moratorium

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) - Palm Springs City Council members unanimously approved a temporary moratorium on new large-scale data center projects Wednesday night. The 45-day pause gives the city time to study the potential impacts of the facilities before deciding whether additional regulations are needed. During public comment, several residents spoke in favor of the

KESQLuis Avila

The pause, brought forward by Councilmember Grace Garner, comes as residents voiced concerns about cooling demands in the desert climate and the strain on local resources. Officials said the city may take up to two years to develop comprehensive zoning regulations that clearly define data centers. The temporary ban runs through October 10 and follows similar actions in nearby Coachella Valley cities, including Desert Hot Springs, Indio, and Coachella.

Eastport, Maine

Eastport’s Planning Board unanimously recommended a permanent ban on data centers after a public hearing on citizen‑initiated ordinances, expanding the proposal to cover all zoning districts.

The board also advised dismissing a separate ordinance that would have required voter approval for large commercial projects, citing legal conflicts with the city charter. The recommendations follow the City Council’s earlier 180 day moratorium and come as DeepGreen Holdings pursues a federal permit for a subsea AI data center in the Bay of Fundy. Councilors will consider the board’s recommendations at a special meeting on September 9, with time remaining under the temporary ban to refine ordinance language.

Garfield Township, Michigan

Garfield Township unanimously approved a one year moratorium on data centers and cryptocurrency mining facilities, with the option to extend for six months, giving officials time to craft zoning rules.

Garfield Township puts a 1-year ban on data centers, cryptocurrency mining • Michigan Advance

Garfield Township has banned data centers and cryptocurrency mining facilities for a year.

Michigan AdvanceVivian La - IPR

The planning commission recommended amending the zoning ordinance to authorize temporary bans, a step officials said strengthens the measure against legal challenges. Residents had previously packed meetings to raise concerns about water use, electric rates, and environmental impacts, and township leaders said the pause reflects strong community support. The ban halts a pending proposal from Illinois developer Tom Cervenka to repurpose a Cass Road building as a small data center.

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