Proposed 45-Day Data Center Moratorium
Summary
Members debated whether Riverside should proactively set a policy on data centers — big electric loads with heavy water use — after hearing the city has no official position or pros-and-cons analysis. A future agenda item was requested.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 17
- Last 30 days
- 4
Rising — discussed at 4 meetings since Sep 14, 2026, up from 2 in the two months before.
Impact analysis
Unknown; large loads could strain infrastructure or, if flexible, benefit ratepayers.
Potentially the city, through new load and use of recycled or surplus water, depending on terms.
Unknown; ratepayers could bear infrastructure costs for inflexible large loads.
Mentions & discussions (6)
City Council — November 10, 2026
The council was scheduled to consider an interim urgency ordinance freezing new or expanded data centers for 45 days while the city studies them. This would pause a fast-growing type of development citywide on a temporary basis.
Artificial Intelligence Strategy and Policy Ad Hoc Committee — November 5, 2026
Public commenters urged the city to slow down on any potential data center development, citing water conservation, energy costs, and whether the burden would fall on ratepayers. The chair clarified no data center projects are proposed and the committee is advisory only.
Land Use Committee — October 13, 2026
Riverside is deciding whether to ban or pause data centers before any developer applies. Members cite strained electrical capacity, water use, and a pattern of the Inland Empire absorbing industrial uses. State law requires a 45-day first moratorium, public hearings, threat findings, and a four-fifths council vote.
Land Use Committee — September 14, 2026
The committee was scheduled to discuss banning data centers from operating as an allowed land use in Riverside. The debate weighs potential tax revenue and construction activity against concerns over noise, energy and water demands, and limited permanent jobs.
Land Use Committee — August 10, 2026
Falcone is authoring a data center ban for September and a vacant building ordinance modeled on other cities for October. A pending data center item was pulled from the council agenda after Falcone and Cervantes raised concerns.
Board of Public Utilities — July 27, 2026
Members debated whether Riverside should proactively set a policy on data centers — big electric loads with heavy water use — after hearing the city has no official position or pros-and-cons analysis. A future agenda item was requested.
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