Ashland commission approves 180‑day moratorium on data center applications to allow planning review

The Ashland Board of City Commissioners voted on Feb. 26 to impose a temporary 180‑day moratorium on accepting, processing and approving applications related to data centers.

During discussion, a commissioner said the pause will allow administrative staff and the Planning Commission time to evaluate proposals and how they align with the city’s zoning and Board of Zoning Appeals regulations. "I think that we need to get a good grasp on what this could do to our community, before we move forward with it," one commissioner said during the discussion.

Commissioners noted there has been significant public attention on data centers in neighboring jurisdictions, and the moratorium is intended to create time for a thorough review rather than to prohibit all future proposals. The motion was made, seconded and carried by voice vote; staff said that if the Planning Commission completes its review sooner than 180 days, the matter can be returned to the commission earlier.

The moratorium suspends city action on data-center applications for up to 180 days while the Planning Commission prepares a recommendation to the commission.