Renton approves one-year moratorium on large data centers

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The Renton City Council has unanimously approved a one-year moratorium on the establishment and expansion of large data centers within the city. The ordinance halts the filing, acceptance, and processing of permits for such facilities for up to one year.

City officials cited concerns regarding the potential impact of large data centers on electrical and water utility capacity, utility rates, land use, traffic, noise, and air quality. Councilmember Kim-Khánh Văn noted concerns regarding the rapid advancement of AI and its implications for data needs.

The moratorium does not apply to existing applications filed before the effective date, nor does it affect the maintenance, repair, or interior alteration of established facilities, provided these actions do not expand the facility's footprint or increase utility service capacities.