Spokane City Council Passes One-Year Moratorium on Data Centers

~ Spokane City Council Passes Ordinance Imposing Moratorium on Data Center Building Permits

During Monday's legislative session, the Spokane City Council unanimously passed Ordinance C36887, which enforces a one-year moratorium on the acceptance, processing, review, and approval of building permit applications for new computer data centers. The ordinance was introduced by Council Members Paul Dillon, Sarah Dixit, and Kate Telis in response to growing concerns about the impact of data centers on the community.

Council Member Paul Dillon expressed his pride in the Council and Administration for taking necessary steps to protect Spokane. "We have heard loud and clear that communities across Spokane want this pause while we create a regulatory framework," he stated.

At the Agenda Review Meeting, an amendment proposed by Council Member Zack Zappone was adopted to provide greater clarity on how the moratorium applies to facilities that include both data centers and other business activities. The amendment also directed the City's Climate Resilience and Sustainability Board and Plan Commission to develop a "Data Center Impact Review and Policy Framework" to evaluate potential impacts of data centers.

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Council Member Sarah Dixit highlighted the negative effects of data centers in other communities across the country. "The Spokane community has made it abundantly clear that a data center would be disastrous for our region, and I wholeheartedly agree," she said. "It is important that this council acted swiftly in response to our community's advocacy."

Echoing similar sentiments, Council Member Kate Telis emphasized the need for thorough evaluations before making any irreversible decisions. "Our community has raised serious concerns about the long-term impacts of data centers, and those concerns deserve answers," she stated. "I support this moratorium because we cannot afford to make irreversible decisions without fully understanding the potential consequences."

The ordinance also sets a public hearing date for July 22, 2026, allowing community members to share their views and engage in discussions on this important issue. The moratorium will provide time for comprehensive evaluations and potential regulatory adjustments.

Lisa Gardner, City Council Communications Director, stated that the Council is committed to addressing the concerns of the community and ensuring the protection of Spokane's resources. "We encourage residents to continue advocating to all the leaders who control the land above our aquifer," she said. "The fight doesn't end with the City; it's across the region."

The passing of this ordinance marks a significant step towards safeguarding Spokane from potential negative impacts of data centers. The City Council remains dedicated to finding a balance between economic growth and protecting the well-being of its residents.

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