Colorado cities of Brighton, Arvada weigh data centers moratoriums

Two Colorado cities are weighing moratoriums on new data center developments as they work out how to regulate construction and manage infrastructure impacts. In Brighton, the City Council is considering a possible 180-day pause on accepting, processing, or approving permit, license, zoning, or other land-use applications for data centers. The proposal says existing rules don’t cover the development of land intended for data centers and that staff need time to study how best to protect residents’ health, safety, and welfare. A further 90-day extension is possible. Brighton’s ordinance is set for first reading Oct. 6 and final reading Oct. 20. Meanwhile, Arvada is considering an 18-month moratorium tied to concerns including setbacks, noise, water use, and energy demands, with a public hearing and final vote scheduled for Oct. 6.