Scarborough takes step towards zoning out data centers

Town Approves Ordinance to Ban Data Centers After Moratorium

After a 180‑day pause on new data‑center developments, town officials have moved forward with an ordinance that will alter zoning regulations to effectively prohibit the construction of such facilities.

The proposed ordinance, which is now pending approval by the town council, would revise the existing zoning code to restrict the use of commercial and industrial properties for data‑center operations. By redefining land‑use categories and tightening requirements for large‑scale cooling, power, and networking infrastructure, the ordinance is designed to eliminate the possibility of any future data‑center projects within the town’s boundaries.

The move follows the town’s earlier decision to impose a 180‑day moratorium, during which developers were required to wait before submitting permits for data‑center proposals. The moratorium was intended to give residents and local officials time to assess the potential impacts of such developments.

Town officials say the ordinance will give the community greater control over the type of infrastructure that can be built, ensuring that future growth aligns with local planning goals. Residents will be able to review the ordinance at the next public hearing scheduled for the coming month.