The Coachella City Council on Wednesday will consider extending a temporary ban on data center developments for an additional 10 months and 15 days.
On June 4, the council adopted an urgency ordinance imposing a 45-day moratorium on applications and terminated its agreement with a former data center developer for the proposed Coachella Valley Technology Campus that was planned for 240 acres of agricultural land near the intersection of Avenue 52 and Fillmore Street.
Following months of protests from local community members citing concerns ranging from environmental to health issues, city council members enacted the moratorium.
Since the ban, city staff have examined numerous concerns relating to data centers, including a review of existing city regulations, held public hearings, a zoning analysis and consulted with legal counsel, according to a staff report.
The moratorium’s extension would be in effect through June 4, 2027, if approved, and would be used as additional time to propose changes to the city municipal codes.
City staff are recommending the council approve an ordinance to permanently prohibit data centers and related uses in the city. The proposed ordinance is expected to go before the city’s planning commission on July 18.
The city council meeting will be held at 6 p.m. Wednesday at City Hall.