Riverside would pause approvals for new or expanded data centers citywide for 45 days if the Council adopts the proposed moratorium. The item is pending for November 10, 2026. As of October 30, the documents reviewed contain no vote result.
What the city is deciding
The Council has two alternatives: adopt the temporary pause or adopt a resolution recording the city’s zoning interpretation. That interpretation says data centers are not an allowed use because they are not listed in the zoning rules and the director has not determined they qualify as a similar use.
The moratorium would give staff time to study impacts, define data centers and consider future rules.
Where and who it affects
The proposed pause covers all wards and applies to establishing or expanding data centers. Staff reported in October that there were no active or pending applications for new server farms or large data centers.
The documents identify no specific parcel or neighborhood as a proposed site. The draft does not define “data center,” so whether small server rooms or business computer rooms would be covered remains unknown.
What it could mean for your property
The proposed moratorium would block approvals for data centers, including subdivisions, use permits, variances, building permits and business licenses. The documents do not identify direct effects on homes, home sales, taxes or fees.
For property considered for a data center, the pause would prevent those approvals during its term. Future rules remain undecided. Staff says options could range from a ban to allowing facilities under development standards and permit requirements.
The study would consider setbacks, noise limits and community benefits. The city says more time is needed to determine which areas could face the greatest impacts, particularly areas with large parcels zoned for industrial uses.
Questions to ask before you buy or build
- Would the proposed use fall within the city’s eventual definition of a data center?
- What setbacks or noise limits would apply?
- Has the Council adopted or extended the pause?
What happens next
The Council hearing is scheduled for November 10, 2026. Adoption of the moratorium requires affirmative votes from four fifths of the Council. If adopted, the pause would take effect immediately and last 45 days. Any extension requires another public hearing and the same voting threshold.