Dixon City Council imposes 45-day moratorium on new data centers

The Dixon City Council voted unanimously Wednesday to halt approvals for new land-use applications for data centers. The temporary 45-day pause gives officials time to conduct a comprehensive review of local regulations.

No data center projects are currently proposed or established in Dixon. Council members said the freeze will likely be extended by a future vote. The study will require more time than 45 days.

“I’m really not for or against at this point,” Dixon vice mayor and council member Jim Ernest said. “But I think it’s very obvious that our citizens want to know what’s going on.”

Ernest noted possible impacts on water, air, the tax base and noise. The goal is transparency and a clear planning process.

The measure also applies to Battery Energy Storage Systems. These facilities store electricity in rechargeable batteries and release it back to the grid when needed.

Recent council discussions about development rules prompted the last-minute meeting, according to the city. Companies expanding artificial intelligence have driven rapid construction of data centers across California and the nation.

Residents in Modesto voiced similar opposition to large data centers in August. Modesto officials said no plans were proposed. Large data centers are not allowed under current Modesto code.

Gov. Gavin Newsom signed seven bills Monday regarding data center projects. Newsom said the legislation will help communities make informed decisions on utility usage and environmental reporting.

A municipal moratorium temporarily pauses specific development approvals. This administrative tool allows local governments in Solano County to draft zoning rules before projects submit applications.

City leaders plan to establish standard development guidelines before any data center applications arrive in Dixon.