Land Use Moratorium on Data Centers & BESS Facilities

Hillsboro City Council voted at a special meeting on Monday, July 27 to enact a temporary land use moratorium on data center and battery energy storage system developments within the City.

During the 120-day moratorium, land use applications for new or expanded data centers and energy storage facilities proposed as a primary use will not be accepted. Projects that had already submitted applications under the current regulations may continue to develop. Read a copy of the Resolution.

The temporary moratorium will provide time for the City Council to evaluate how these facilities fit into Hillsboro's long-term land use planning and to consider potential updates to the Community Development Code. After the initial 120-day period, City Council could extend the moratorium for an additional six months.

"The Hillsboro City Council has heard the questions and concerns from our community about data centers in Hillsboro," said Mayor Beach Pace. "This temporary moratorium gives us the opportunity to thoughtfully develop regulations that balance innovation, economic opportunity, and the quality of life our community values."

During the moratorium, City staff will continue researching the economic and environmental impacts of data centers and energy storage facilities while developing recommendations for where and how these uses should be allowed in Hillsboro in the future.

The action follows several weeks of public discussion and Council deliberation. Council members reviewed information about the rapidly evolving industry, considered potential approaches, and reached consensus that additional time is needed to thoughtfully evaluate future regulations. Read more about recent City Council actions and discussions about data centers.

This action is separate from the State of Oregon's temporary moratorium on Enterprise Zone agreements for data centers. While the state's legislation addresses tax incentives, Hillsboro's temporary moratorium focuses solely on land use planning and ensuring the City's development regulations reflect long-term community priorities.

Additional opportunities for public feedback will be provided as the City develops and considers potential updates to its Community Development Code.

July 27 Special Meeting Materials

Agenda
Staff Report
Referenced Materials
Amended Resolution & Findings