Boise, Idaho — The Boise City Council unanimously approved an emergency moratorium on large data centers Tuesday evening, immediately pausing new applications for qualifying projects for up to six months. The Boise data center moratorium applies to facilities exceeding 100,000 square feet or projected to require at least 20 megawatts of power at full buildout.
Boise Data Center Moratorium Takes Effect Immediately
City leaders cited possible effects on water resources, electricity demand and land development in adopting the ordinance. The pause applies within Boise city limits and gives the city time to reconsider its rules for major data-center projects.
The council said it will revise city code provisions, restrictions and guidelines governing large data centers. Public input will be part of that work.
Water and Energy Use Raised in Boise Discussion
Residents offered majority support for the moratorium, according to city leaders. Kyle Chandler, a Boise resident, urged the city to establish standards before additional facilities are built, citing water use and drought concerns.
“It’s incredibly important to have guidelines in place,” Chandler said.
Council members also discussed the role county and state elected officials could have in developing guidelines. City leaders said similar moratoriums have emerged in 44 other states.
Boise Plans Code Revisions for Large Data Centers
The ordinance does not permanently prohibit large data centers. Instead, it halts new applications during the review period while Boise considers updated development standards for projects meeting the 100,000-square-foot or 20-megawatt thresholds.