Hastings Public Schools — Transcript
Monday, July 27, 2026
Zoning Code Amendment for Utilities and Service Facilities
Proposed Moratorium on Data Centers
Votes (1)
Consideration of a Moratorium for Data Centers
Dissent: None
Moved by Commissioner DePalma [25:55] · Seconded by Commissioner Montgomery [26:17]
The Planning Commission discussed the necessity and benefits of a proactive, one-year moratorium on data center approvals to allow staff to research impacts (electricity, water, land use, noise, air quality, traffic, economic benefits, infrastructure costs) and to draft appropriate zoning code amendments. Speakers emphasized learning from other communities, defining data centers (primary vs. accessory use), considering long-term obsolescence, and ensuring public engagement in the process. There was strong consensus on the value of being proactive rather than reactive.
Notable Quotes (4)
What a moratorium does is it's a pause on the the consideration of new applications of permits, usually for up to 1 year. It provides the opportunity for a city to review ordinances and regulations pertaining to the the use itself.
Within the city right now, the we don't have those type of spaces available within the city, but if someone approached us on an annexation or some other thing, perhaps that question would come before us on that.
When it gets to a certain scale, you know, any any business industry coming into town, you know, should require either more discussion or opportunity for public engagement, just making sure that could occur.
I'm really in favor of doing a moratorium so that prior to being faced with an application. Um like this is not this moratorium isn't in reaction to a data center application. It's being proactive and I think that's really smart for the city to be doing versus trying to be reactive when something's already sitting in front of us.
Ordinances & Resolutions (3)
The city's regulatory document currently lacking distinct definitions and regulations for data centers, and previously considered for an amendment regarding utility facilities.
Proposed temporary prohibition on approving new data center applications to allow time for policy development.
Approved by the City Council for a repair facility in the old Hastings theater.