The Commerce City Council has enacted an immediate 45-day moratorium on data center development while the city considers regulations governing such facilities, officials announced Wednesday.
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The council adopted an urgency ordinance at its meeting Tuesday prohibiting approval of land-use permits, entitlements or agreements for data center development during the moratorium, according to the city.
Commerce officials said the city’s municipal code does not currently define or regulate data centers, leaving existing zoning standards without provisions specifically addressing potential noise, air-quality and infrastructure impacts.
Modern data centers can require large amounts of electricity and water, substantial cooling systems and backup generators, city officials said.
“Our highest priority remains the well-being of the people of Commerce,” Mayor Kevin Lainez said in a statement. “By taking a thoughtful approach now, we can ensure that economic growth goes hand in hand with protecting the quality of life in our community.”
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The moratorium is intended to give city staff time to study data center operations and develop proposed land-use standards, zoning amendments and environmental protections, officials said.
“Our focus is to deliver proactive, responsible oversight,” City Manager Ernie Hernandez said. “We aim to ensure Commerce remains prepared to manage complex industrial proposals moving forward.”
City staff is expected to return to the council within 35 days with a written report detailing measures taken to address the conditions that prompted the moratorium.
The council will also schedule a public hearing to consider extending the moratorium by up to an additional 10 months and 15 days, according to the city.
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