Cleveland Council Proposes Extension to Data Center Permit Moratorium
Cleveland City Council is considering an emergency measure to extend a pause on certain development approvals for data centers within the city. Ordinance No. 1246-2026 seeks to continue a moratorium on the review and issuance of various permits to allow more time for officials to research and draft permanent regulations for the industry 1246-2026 Ord. extend moratorium.
What's in the file
The proposed emergency ordinance extends the existing moratorium originally established by Ordinance No. 556-2026. This pause affects the review and issuance of:
- Use, building, and zoning permits
- Certificates of occupancy
- Other license or permit applications, including those issued by the Department of Public Utilities
The moratorium specifically targets the establishment of a data center as a principal use in a standalone building or facility, as well as the expansion of existing standalone data centers. According to the 1246-2026 Ord. extend moratorium, the extension is intended to give the City and a dedicated Data Center Working Group more time to ensure new policies are suitable for the City and can be implemented effectively. This working group includes experts, public utility representatives, city leaders, and community members to study the impact of data centers on utility infrastructure and the local community.
The extension period is set to run from October 20, 2026, and will end on the earlier of these two dates:
- The effective date of any newly enacted or amended city ordinances regulating or prohibiting data centers.
- January 29, 2027.
Who may be affected
- Department of Public Utilities: Impacted by the pause on specific permit issuances.
- Data center developers: Affected by the halt on new standalone facilities or expansions.
- City Departments: Includes Law, City Planning, Sustainability, and Health, which participate in the regulatory review process.
Status and timeline
The legislation is currently in the first reading stage.
- July 20, 2026: The original moratorium (Ordinance No. 556-2026) became effective.
- October 9, 2026: Ordinance No. 1246-2026 was introduced for its first reading.
What to watch next
If the ordinance receives the affirmative vote of two-thirds of all elected members of Council, it will be declared an emergency measure and take effect immediately upon passage and approval by the Mayor.
Residents can verify these details by reviewing the official record for Ordinance No. 1246-2026 via the Cleveland City Council website.
Source record
- File
- 1246-2026
- Type
- Emergency Ordinance
- Status
- First Reading
- Committee
- City Council
- Introduced
- October 8, 2026