Coachella passes first reading of permanent ban on data centers, second vote on Aug. 26

COACHELLA, Calif. (KESQ) - The Coachella City Council has passed an ordinance permanently banning data centers related uses within city limits.

Councilmembers unanimously approved the first reading of the ordinance. It will return for a second reading on Wednesday, August 26, where it could then go into effect.

The proposed ordinance comes amid concerns about the potential effects of large-scale data center operations on Coachella’s electrical infrastructure, water resources, air quality, public health and safety, and compatibility with surrounding land uses.

"The big one that we've heard from everybody is energy consumption, water consumption and what it does to the surrounding area. We're standing outside right now and it's 100-something degrees and it's humid. Now, if you imagine, you know, a little bit more with the 1.3 degree increase in Fahrenheit," Mayor Frank Figueroa said.

Under the proposed ordinance, a data center would be defined as a structure or site used to house computers or other equipment associated with the storage, processing or transmission of digital data. The definition would also cover a broad range of related uses, including storage facilities, small data storage facilities, server farms, artificial intelligence training or processing, image processing, cloud computing and email servicing.

Not all computer-related facilities would be prohibited. The ordinance includes an exemption for accessory server rooms, data processing equipment and information technology facilities that are incidental and subordinate to, and specifically associated with, an otherwise permitted principal use.

Residents who have fought the proposal for months say they'll continue to push for strong and specific language banning the projects.

"We are trying as best we can to apply pressure to make sure that there are modifications to the ordinance, to make sure that it's strong to avoid any future loopholes," Cecilia Lemus said.

City staff have recommended that the council make the decision through the ordinance process rather than place the measure on the November ballot. According to the staff recommendation, that approach would allow the council to make amendments if necessary without waiting for voter approval. Any proposed changes would still need to go through the Planning Commission and City Council, while residents would continue to have opportunities to express their support or concerns.

The permanent ban comes while the city already has a temporary moratorium on new data center developments. That moratorium is currently scheduled to remain in effect through June 3, 2027.

Tune in for continuing coverage as News Channel 3 follows the final vote on August 26th.