Stockton, CA – The Board of Supervisors approved an Interim Urgency Ordinance establishing a 45-day moratorium on land use approvals for new data center development in unincorporated San Joaquin County. The temporary moratorium will allow the County to study the potential impacts of large-scale artificial intelligence (AI) data centers and determine whether additional land use regulations and infrastructure standards are needed to address their unique demands.
“Our communities deserve answers about how large-scale AI data centers could affect water supplies, electricity use, agriculture, noise, and public infrastructure,” said Supervisor Robert Rickman. “That is why the Board directed staff to conduct a six-month study and bring back a proposed temporary moratorium while that work is underway. We need to hear from the public and understand these impacts before deciding whether, and under what conditions, these facilities should be allowed in unincorporated San Joaquin County.”
Last month, the Board voted to direct County staff to study the potential impacts on the environment including demands on water, electricity, local infrastructure, and emergency services.
The Community Development Department (CDD) recommended the moratorium to preserve public health, safety, and welfare while the County studies, evaluates, and considers adoption of comprehensive land use regulations. Unlike conventional industrial warehouses and other development, large-scale data centers require substantial and continuous electricity and water resources, as well as specialized cooling systems to operate around the clock. The County also must determine whether existing electrical infrastructure can accommodate multiple large-scale data centers.
“The County does not currently have specific standards to address the unique impacts of data centers, from noise and energy demands to emergency response and infrastructure capacity,” said Board Chair and Third District Supervisor Sonny Dhaliwal. “Before we consider allowing this type of development, we need to understand the full impact on our community and make sure we have the safeguards in place to protect our residents.”
During the moratorium, County staff will evaluate whether the County’s General Plan, Development Title, zoning regulations, and infrastructure standards adequately address large-scale data centers. Staff will also conduct community outreach, consult with stakeholders, research regulations and best practices in other jurisdictions, and return to the Board with recommendations.
There are currently no proposals for large-scale AI data centers in unincorporated San Joaquin County.
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