Zephr Hills imposes temporary moratorium on data‑center approvals to study local impacts

Zephr Hills council approved on first reading a temporary moratorium June 8 that pauses acceptance and processing of new data‑center applications while staff evaluates potential land‑use, utility and public‑safety impacts.

City staff described data centers as "large load customer facilities" that raise unique concerns — substantial electrical demand, potential high water usage for cooling, wastewater implications, stormwater management, noise and lighting, and emergency‑response needs. Staff recommended a temporary pause to allow for code amendments, impact study and public input.

Planning Director Rodney Corville told council the moratorium mirrors actions taken by nearby counties and cities and would provide time for community engagement. "Many of the people where these data centers have been built, the community was outraged because they didn't even get the opportunity to come and voice their concerns about it," he said.

A member of the public, Laura Strange, told council she had researched data‑center cooling systems and expressed concern about high water use and potential environmental and infrastructure stress. Council members cited similar concerns and approved the first reading of ordinance 1523‑26.

The moratorium directs staff to review and, if appropriate, prepare land‑development code changes and related regulatory amendments. Council members emphasized the need to protect the city's water supply and to ensure adequate local review before large‑scale facilities are approved.