Data centers in Banning
Summary
The chair wants a status update on a citywide code amendment that could tighten rules on data centers, ICE detention centers, and battery storage. Council hasn't given specific direction yet, but staff will look into it.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 4
- Last 30 days
- 0
Last discussed Sep 2, 2026.
Impact analysis
No cost yet — a general plan amendment would require a Council-approved budget.
Residents concerned about where these facilities could locate would gain from stronger local land use rules.
Data-center developers, property owners hoping to sell or lease to them, and people counting on the jobs or tax money those projects might bring.
Mentions & discussions (5)
Planning Commission - Sep 2, 2026
Chair Castorena has been pushing for months to strengthen citywide rules against data centers, ICE detention facilities and battery storage — not just at Sunset Crossroads. Staff confirmed the City Council hasn't given direction and there's no budget for general plan work, so the commission can only hold study-session discussions for now.
Planning Commission - Aug 5, 2026
The chair wants a status update on a citywide code amendment that could tighten rules on data centers, ICE detention centers, and battery storage. Council hasn't given specific direction yet, but staff will look into it.
City Council - Jul 14, 2026
Multiple residents urged the council to study a citywide data center ordinance before more projects arrive, noting data centers are permitted by right within the Sunset Crossroads specific plan. Staff said the developer has applied to amend the plan to remove data centers, detention facilities and battery storage, but those uses remain allowable today.
Planning Commission - Jul 1, 2026
The commission wants to discuss stricter land-use rules that would prohibit data centers, detention centers, and battery storage — a hot topic tied to the Sunset Crossroads debate. The Council may already be working on this.
California city on track to pass ballot measure banning data centers
California city on track to pass ballot measure banning data centers E&E News by POLITICO
Related development
Sunset Crossroads
Could bring $3 million up front and $2-2.5 million a year in sales tax once built out — but the referendum puts it in doubt.
Sunset Crossroads Specific Plan
Changes how 11 commercial uses get approved in two planning areas; drive-throughs will now come back to the commission individually for scrutiny.
Sunset Crossroads Specific Plan Amendment No. 26-0001
If the referendum passes, the site can never host data centers, ICE facilities, cold storage, or standalone battery farms — locking in protections future owners can't undo without a new public amendment.
We'll email you when it's on an upcoming agenda and when it's voted on, at most once a day.
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