San Francisco approves temporary pause on data-center approvals
San Francisco’s Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a 45-day moratorium on city approvals for data centers, according to The San Francisco Standard. The measure takes effect in 10 days unless Mayor Daniel Lurie returns it earlier; he may also veto it. During the pause, the Planning Department is tasked with studying the facilities’ impacts and developing long-term controls.
The review is to consider energy, water, air quality, land use, and community impacts. City leaders are expected to hold a hearing by November on the department’s progress and findings. The moratorium could be extended to 22 months, but the article says it is unclear whether city leaders would pursue that option.
The vote is a local planning action, not evidence of a wider restriction on data-center construction. Its eventual effect depends on the mayor’s response, the study, and any later city action.