To: BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
From: Supervisor Haschak and Supervisor Williams
Meeting Date: July 7, 2026
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Department Contact: |
Supervisor Haschak |
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707-463-4221 |
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Department Contact: |
Supervisor Williams |
Phone: |
707-463-4221 |
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Item Type: Regular Agenda |
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Time Allocated for Item: 15 Minutes |
Agenda Title:
title
Discussion and Possible Action Including Direction to Staff to Return to the Board with an Urgency Ordinance Establishing a Temporary Moratorium Prohibiting the Processing and Approval of New Data Centers to Allow for Evaluation of the Public Health and Environmental Impacts
(Sponsors: Supervisor Haschak and Supervisor Williams)
End
Recommended Action/Motion:
recommendation
Direct staff to return to the Board with an urgency Ordinance establishing a temporary moratorium prohibiting the processing and approval of new data centers to allow for evaluation of the public health and environmental impacts.
End
Previous Board/Board Committee Actions:
The Board has previously adopted urgency ordinances placing temporary moratoriums on various activities while such activities were being studied. Activities that have been the subject of a temporary moratorium include Phase Three cannabis cultivation permitting, cultivation of hemp, GMOs, and short-term rentals.
Summary of Request:
Government Code section 65858 permits the County to adopt a temporary moratorium ordinance-prohibiting otherwise permitted uses-when those uses conflict with potential land use proposals that the County is considering, studying, or intending to study within a reasonable time. Adoption of such ordinances require a four-fifths vote of the Board. As part of the moratorium ordinance, the Board must find that there is a current and immediate threat to the public health, safety or welfare of County residents.
Data Centers provide the necessary computing hardware-servers, storage systems, and networking equipment-for the digital economy. However, communities nationwide are experiencing the repercussions from accelerating Data Center land uses, including: increased water consumption and decreased property values and quality of life to surrounding neighborhoods. In addition, existing utility infrastructure, particularly in smaller communities, is often unable to support the demand for electricity and water required by such Data Centers.
Water security is a critical issue for all communities of Mendocino County. Data Centers present a potential threat due to excessive use of water for cooling purposes, along with excessive energy usage and possible pollution impacts. A moratorium would prohibit new Data Centers from being developed pending the consideration and study of the land use activity and allow for staff to return with recommendations to the Board on addressing permitting of such Data Centers
Alternative Action/Motion:
Take alternative action.
Strategic Plan Priority Designation: A Safe and Healthy County
Supervisorial District: All
Vote Requirement: Majority
Supplemental Information Available Online At: N/A
Fiscal Details:
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source of funding: N/A |
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current f/y cost: N/A |
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budget clarification: N/A |
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annual recurring cost: N/A |
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budgeted in current f/y (if no, please describe): N/A |
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revenue agreement: N/A |
AGREEMENT/RESOLUTION/ORDINANCE APPROVED BY COUNTY COUNSEL: N/A
CEO Liaison: Darcie Antle, CEO
CEO Review: Yes
CEO Comments:
FOR COB USE ONLY
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Executed By: Deputy Clerk |
Final Status: Item Status |
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Date: Date Executed |
Executed Item Type: item |
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