Yeongdeungpo-gu seeks stricter regulations on data center construction

Yeongdeungpo-gu is leading efforts to regulate the rapid proliferation of data centers in residential areas to protect local residents. The district has raised concerns regarding potential electricity shortages and water scarcity caused by the high power and cooling requirements of these facilities. Currently, eight data center projects are underway or planned within the district, posing a risk to the local power grid and existing redevelopment projects.

To address this, the Seoul Association of District Heads unanimously approved a proposal to mandate architectural reviews for all data center constructions. Yeongdeungpo-gu plans to request that the Seoul Metropolitan Government amend city ordinances to restrict data center construction in second and third-class general residential areas. Long-term goals include advocating for national building law amendments to allow local governments to deny construction permits in semi-residential, semi-industrial, and commercial zones based on local power and environmental conditions.