Apple Valley Imposes Year-Long Moratorium on Data Center Development
The city council unanimously approved a temporary halt to new data center projects to study their significant potential impacts on local infrastructure and resources.
Apple Valley, MN – The Apple Valley City Council unanimously passed an interim ordinance imposing a one-year moratorium on new data center developments, effective immediately. The decision, made during a recent council meeting, aims to provide city staff with dedicated time to study the potential significant impacts these large-scale facilities could have on local resources and infrastructure. The moratorium temporarily pauses any land use decisions related to data centers while the city assesses and potentially revises its ordinances.
Tim Benetti, a city representative, explained the rationale behind the council's action, highlighting the temporary nature and purpose of the measure. He noted that the ordinance would allow for a deeper dive into specific land use items that necessitate special attention or reconsideration.
The moratorium is basically an allowance for us to temporarily pause certain land use decisions. In this case specifically related to data centers in order to give more study specific issues or land use items that require special attention or reconsideration.
The growing trend of massive data center developments, observed both nationwide and locally, prompted the city to take a proactive stance. These facilities, known for their substantial operational demands, can place considerable strain on existing public services and environmental systems.
Most of the newer or proposed data centers that we're starting to see either nationwide or locally, I mean they're massive in scale and their size and operational demands can have some negative substantial effects on local systems including water supply, ground water resources, sanitary infrastructure, storm water management and electrical demand.
The year-long study period will allow Apple Valley to thoroughly examine these potential strains. Specific areas targeted for analysis include the facilities' demand on water supply, groundwater resources, sanitary infrastructure, stormwater management, and electrical grid capacity. The city aims to understand how to best mitigate these effects or if current zoning regulations are adequate for such developments.
So, what we're going to be studying is the impact of data centers and if we want to change our ordinances related to data centers. So, this or This doesn't allow data centers to the contrary. This pauses any kind of data center development for a year while we study it.
Apple Valley is not the first city in the region to implement such a measure. Neighboring municipalities such as Minneapolis, Eagan, Inver Grove Heights, Rosemount, Carver, and Vadnais Heights have reportedly enacted similar moratoriums to address the complexities of data center development. This regional trend underscores the shared concerns among communities regarding the rapid growth and high resource demands of these facilities.
Following the year-long study, the city council expects to have a comprehensive understanding of data center impacts and potential amendments to its zoning ordinances to better manage future development. The goal is to ensure that any future data center projects align with the city's long-term planning goals and do not unduly burden local resources or infrastructure.
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Votes (5)
Audience Participation - Dakota County Public Health Opioid Overdose Prevention Update
James Johnson Jr. of Dakota County Public Health presented a comprehensive overview of local opioid overdose prevention efforts. He highlighted successful community workshops, the formation of a Youth Wellbeing Network, the availability of free Narcan kits at local libraries, upcoming naloxone training events, and a multimedia campaign aimed at reducing stigma. He requested the city's participation in International Overdose Awareness activities and invited collaboration on opioid settlement funds and participation in the Hope Summit.
Proclaim July 2026 as Park and Recreation Month
Moved by Council Member Hebert [0:11:06] · Seconded by Council Member Melander [0:11:06]
Park and Recreation Director Eric Carlson presented the proclamation, emphasizing the comprehensive benefits of parks and recreation to the community. He highlighted their role in maintaining quality of life, promoting health, contributing to economic prosperity through increased property values and tourism, and ensuring environmental well-being by protecting natural resources. Council members also acknowledged the valuable role of seasonal staff and behind-the-scenes maintenance crews.
Interim Ordinance Authorizing a Study and Imposing a Moratorium on Data Centers
Moved by Council Member Bergman [0:18:23] · Seconded by Council Member Melander [0:18:23]
Community Development Director Tim Benetti explained the city's authority under state statute to enact a moratorium to study specific land use issues. He outlined concerns regarding data centers, including their massive scale, operational demands on water, sewer, and electrical systems, and potential negative impacts on visual landscapes, noise, and traffic. He noted that other cities have enacted similar moratoriums. A public hearing was held where one citizen sought clarification on the purpose of the moratorium. The council then moved to authorize the study and institute the moratorium.
Pass an Ordinance Instituting a Moratorium on Data Centers (with Second Reading Waived)
Moved by Council Member Bergman [0:18:59] · Seconded by Council Member Melander [0:18:59]
Following the approval of the resolution to study data centers, the council proceeded to formally institute the moratorium. The ordinance restricts the establishment, expansion, or development of new data centers during the interim study period, and the second reading was waived as recommended by staff and city attorneys.
Staff and Council Communications: Road Closures, Fire Recruitment, Freedom Days
City Engineer Brandon provided detailed updates on significant road construction projects, including a 10-day closure of Pennock Avenue (July 13-24) for storm sewer replacement, improvements at Garrett Avenue (expected August 4th completion), and safety enhancements at Pilot Knob and 147th. He also informed the council of a two-year project on Trunk Highway 77 starting this weekend. Fire Chief Matt Nelson announced an open recruitment period for paid on-call firefighters until July 17th. Council Member Hebert extended a 'huge shout-out' to all involved in making the Freedom Days event a success.
Notable Quotes (13)
I'm the Dakota County Public Health Opioid Overdose Prevention Coordinator. I appreciate your work of the local local city leaders here in Apple Valley.
We continue to offer Narcan kits, also known as Narcan, free of charge at the Galaxy Library and at the Western Service Center.
We're also working with Meter, a women-owned Twin Cities based public relations firm, to do to in in Apple Valley and secure three residents that that have lived experience in an 18-month multimedia campaign that combats stigma and promotes education about the realities and hopes surrounding prevention of substance misuse.
This is an opportunity for the city to talk about what they've done with opioid settlement monies and and how we can move this these issues forward.
Whereas, parks and recreation programs are an integral part of of communities throughout this country, including Apple Valley.
Whereas, parks and recreation programs increase the community's economic prosperity through increased property values, expansion of the local tax base, increased tourism, the attraction and retention of businesses, and crime reduction.
And one is that is the the number of seasonal, and particularly young seasonal, staff that you hire every year and kind of teach them how to be good employees and good citizens and in many cases build kind of cool careers in Parks and Rec.
The moratorium is basically an allowance for us to temporarily pause certain land use decisions. In this case specifically related to data centers in order to give give more study specific issues or land use items that require special attention or reconsideration.
Most of the newer or proposed data centers that we're starting to see either nationwide or locally, I mean they're massive in scale and their size and operational demands can have some negative substantial effects on local systems including water supply, ground water resources, sanitary infrastructure, storm water management and electrical demand.
So, what we're going to be studying is the impact of data centers and if we want to change our ordinances related to data centers. So, this or This doesn't allow data centers to the contrary. This pauses any kind of data center development for a year while we study it.
Pennock Avenue, all of the storm sewer will be um completely redone as as some of you have been aware of our history. There's been some flooding at that intersection for many many years.
For those that have used Garrett, it's been a bit of a backup due to the the insufficient lanes. Um, that completion is scheduled for August 4th with everything on that one.
Um I just and maybe you're going to talk about it and we mentioned it in the informal, but just uh a real huge shout-out and thank you to everybody Pat Strachota, all the volunteers, it all of the city staff and the departments, um the Rotary and all the other partners for the great Freedom Freedom Days event.
Ordinances & Resolutions (6)
State statute granting the council power to adopt interim ordinances/moratoriums.
Specific land use code for 'Menard Remnant Parcels' where data centers are currently allowed.
Ordinance creating the Mixed-Use Business Campus district, which allows data centers as a conditional use.
Official declaration recognizing July as Parks and Recreation Month in Apple Valley.
Authorization for an interim study regarding the planning, development, and regulation of data centers.
Instituting a moratorium on the establishment, expansion, or development of new data centers during the interim use study.
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Other Topics from This Document
Opioid Overdose Prevention and Awareness
Parks and Recreation Month Proclamation
Road Closures and Construction Updates
Fire Department Recruitment
Freedom Days Event
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