Zoning commission backs moratorium on "large‑scale" data centers while flagging definition gaps

The Palm Beach County Zoning Commission voted to recommend that the Board of County Commissioners adopt an ordinance imposing a moratorium on comprehensive plan and zoning applications for "large‑scale data centers," using the statutory 50‑megawatt monthly peak‑load threshold. Darren Liser of the county attorney’s office told the commission the proposed moratorium would bar acceptance or processing of new applications for the shorter of one year from ordinance adoption (the ordinance hearing is scheduled for Sept. 27) or the effective date of any adopted LDRs or comp plan amendments related to large‑scale data centers; there is a narrow exception for reconstruction of properties damaged by listed hurricanes.

Commissioners widely supported the moratorium as a tool to buy time for drafting detailed standards, but several voiced concern that the 50‑MW cutoff focuses solely on electrical load and could leave loopholes for applicants proposing facilities with other impacts. Commissioner (S8) moved to recommend approval while explicitly noting the definition is inadequate and needs further work; the motion carried. Public commenters and commissioners urged that staff use the moratorium period to commission independent studies on groundwater impacts, noise, thermal effects and the inclusion of battery energy storage systems (BESS) in any future regulations. "This is not a routine code change... Any ambiguity, exemption, undefined term, or procedural gap could become a loophole," said Sue Loisel, a resident who urged independent expert review.