HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-483-09.08.2026.docDocusign Envelope ID: 562DD6CC-F8C4-87D2-8049-9781D65E5E4E
Prepared by LeAnn M. Even, Deputy City Clerk, City of Waterloo, 715 Mulberry Street,
Waterloo, IA 50703, (319) 291-4323.
RESOLUTION NO. 2026-483
RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING A TEMPORARY MORATORIUM ON
APPROVALS RELATING TO DATA CENTERS.
WHEREAS, Data Centers involve and infrastructure and land use considerations that
warrant further study, including, but not limited to, water consumption, electrical demand,
stormwater management, wastewater management, noise, emergency response, public safety,
transportation impacts, utility capacity, environmental impacts, building design, site security,
compatibility with surrounding land uses, and the potential need for additional development
standards or conditions; and
WHEREAS, the City Council desires to provide City staff, the Planning and Zoning
Commission, and other appropriate boards, commissions, consultants, agencies, and utility
providers with sufficient time to study these matters and recommend any amendments to the
City's Comprehensive Plan, Zoning Ordinance, development regulations, or other policies
deemed appropriate; and
WHEREAS, the City Council has identified a need to review the City's Comprehensive
Plan, Zoning Ordinance, subdivision regulations, building and development standards, and other
applicable City policies and ordinances as they relate to the development and operation of Data
Centers; and
WHEREAS, the City Council further desires to preserve the status quo while this review
is underway and prevent the approval of applications that could be inconsistent with amendments
or regulations developed as a result of that review;
WHEREAS, the City Council finds the following temporary regulations to be in the best
interests of the City and the general public.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
WATERLOO, IOWA,
Section 1. Definitions.
For purposes of this Resolution, the following definitions shall apply:
"Data Center" means a building rehabilitated or constructed to house a group of networked
server computers in one physical location in order to centralize the storage, management, and
dissemination of data and information pertaining to a particular business, taxonomy, or body of
knowledge, containing uninterrupted power supply systems, specialized cooling systems
designed for high -density computing loads, and/or contain cybersecurity systems designed for
secure digital infrastructure operations. A data center business's facility typically includes
communications connections, environmental controls, and fire suppression systems. A data
center business's facility also includes a restricted access area employing advanced physical
security measures such as video surveillance systems and card -based security or biometric
security access systems.
Docusign Envelope ID: 562DD6CC-F8C4-87D2-8049-9781D65E5E4E
Resolution 2026-483
Page 2
The term "Data Center" shall not include a facility that is primarily used for manufacturing,
research (including but not limited to quantum computing research or biomedical research), or
education at an accredited educational institution by the State of Iowa, or provision of medical
care.
"Approval" shall include, but not be limited to, any permit, application, zoning amendment,
rezoning request, site plan, development plan, subdivision approval, special -use permit, variance,
building permit, grading permit, utility -extension approval, certificate of occupancy, or other
City authorization related to the establishment, construction, expansion, or operation of a Data
Center.
"Substantial Expansion" shall mean any expansion, modification, redevelopment, or conversion
that increases the operational capacity, physical footprint, utility demand, or primary function of
a facility for Data Center purposes.
Section 2. Temporary Moratorium Established.
A temporary moratorium is hereby established on the acceptance, processing, and issuance of
permits, applications, and other Development Approvals for the establishment, construction,
Substantial Expansion, or operation of Data Centers within the corporate limits of the City of
Waterloo.
During the effective period of this Resolution, no City department shall accept, process, approve,
or issue any Development Approval for a Data Center unless specifically authorized pursuant to
this Resolution.
Section 3. Applicability.
This Resolution shall apply to:
1. New Data Centers proposed within the City of Waterloo; and
2. Substantial Expansion, redevelopment, or conversion of existing structures or uses for Data
Center purposes.
This Resolution shall not prevent ordinary repair, maintenance, or replacement work necessary to
protect public health, safety, or welfare at a lawfully existing facility, provided such work does
not constitute the establishment, expansion, or conversion of a facility into a Data Center.
Section 4. Pending Applications.
This moratorium shall apply to applications that have not received final City approval as of the
effective date of this Resolution, except to the extent the City Attorney determines that an
applicant has acquired vested rights under applicable law.
Section 5. Effective Date and Duration.
The provisions of this Resolution shall take effect upon passage and shall remain in full force
and effect for a period of three (3) months from the date of passage.
The City Council may extend the effective date and duration by resolutions as needed for further
study. In no case shall this moratorium exceed one year.
Any extension authorized pursuant to this Section shall identify the extended expiration date of
the moratorium and shall not be construed as authorizing an indefinite continuation of the
moratorium without further legislative action by the City Council.
Docusign Envelope ID: 562DD6CC-F8C4-87D2-8049-9781D65E5E4E
Resolution 2026-483
Page 3
Section 6. Severability Clause.
If any section, provision, or part of this Resolution shall be adjudged to be invalid or
unconstitutional, such adjudication shall not affect the validity of the Resolution as a whole, or
any section thereof, not adjudged invalid or unconstitutional.
PASSED AND ADOPTED this 8th day of September 2026.
ATTEST:
Signed by:
Kttleyfticat
Kelleysi'erc11e,Clerk
Kelley City
SEAL
vv
Signed by:
�aWu� 15 ,SUA,
SUOtJef.W C3U3421...
David oesen, Mayor