OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. — The Oklahoma City Council voted unanimously Tuesday, Nov. 10, to prolong its pause on new large data center projects, pushing the moratorium out to Dec. 31, 2027, or until the city rewrites its zoning code, whichever happens first.
The extension takes effect right away. It halts new applications, rezoning requests and permits to build or expand data centers with electrical loads above 75 megawatts, the scale associated with so-called hyperscale campuses that draw heavily on the power grid and water supply.
Council members first adopted the moratorium in April, and it was due to expire in December. That version exempted a couple of sites whose rezoning was already under way, and the city has advanced them since, including a rezoning approved on Oct. 27 for the city’s first hyperscale data center, which came with strict zoning terms. Staff and the developer still have to finish negotiating a community benefits agreement for that campus.
City Manager Craig Freeman said the city hired a consultant to review its codes and recommend changes, and that more time is needed to gather information and apply current research on how such facilities affect residents and resources. Planning Director Geoff Butler said the longer pause gives council room to weigh the full range of impacts and set suitable rules.
Freeman and Mayor David Holt said the ordinance will lapse at the stated date or when the code is updated, whichever is earlier. They added that if the code changes before December 2027 but staff still want more time, the city could keep the pause in place and would decide that when the moment arrives. The council will keep considering amendments.
Ward 2 Councilmember James Cooper urged the city to follow state and national discussions on the topic, which has stirred strong reactions in many places, and said clearer guidance on standards for data centers would help cities set consistent limits.
Public comment at the meeting reflected opposition to the Oct. 27 vote among some residents, and at least one speaker said she was glad the pause was extended and wanted a hold on construction as well. Council meets every other Tuesday morning.
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