The Data Center Divide
A policy snapshot ahead of the 2026 midterms. Mapping data center incentives, restrictions, and bans through legislation, regulations, and executive actions across all 50 states and 1,462 local jurisdictions.
Los Angeles County
This restriction takes precedence while in effect. The rating below excludes temporary restrictions.
Anti-Data Center Policies
Los Angeles County bars large-scale data centers in unincorporated areas, while a separate measure calls for study and outreach and only preparation of a possible moratorium.
current law · Unincorporated areasDirects the County to formalize a ban on large-scale data centers in unincorporated areas while an interim prohibition remains in place.Los Angeles County Regional Planning Director Interim Prohibition on Large-Scale AI Data Centers (2026)
What this means
The proposal would bar all large-scale data centers in every zone of unincorporated LA County, making new development or expansion substantially harder (prohibits all large-scale data centers). Smaller facilities for everyday computing could still be distinguished from large-scale centers, so it is not a ban on every data center (beneficial use data centers).
Restrictions & requirementsHide restrictions & requirements1
- Immediate administrative prohibition on development of large-scale AI data centers in unincorporated County areas. - The official motion states that the director uses Title 22 authority to rely on the absence of a similarly defined land use to prohibit large scale data centers. The separate proposed all-zone zoning prohibition is not treated as adopted.
Benefits & exceptionsHide benefits & exceptions1
No affirmative incentive or approval entitlement is verified in the directive. The separate, deferred zoning proposal would distinguish hyperscale and AI facilities from enterprise, accessory or sole-source facilities; this is not evidence of an operative exemption.
Sources
Specific to Los Angeles County only.
current law · Unincorporated areas; legal actions may also address data center developments in incorporated areas adjacent to County properties or unincorporated areasDirects county agencies to assess data centers’ impacts, hear community concerns, recommend safeguards and benefits, and prepare a possible development moratorium for unincorporated areas.Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Motion on Data Centers (2026)
What this means
The measure does not immediately ban or limit data centers; it mainly orders a study, community outreach, and recommendations. It also directs the County to prepare a possible moratorium for unincorporated areas, but that would be initiated only if applicable, and the County says there are currently no data centers there (prepare a possible moratorium). Overall, it could add some delay or future requirements, but its near-term impact on building and operating facilities is small.
Timing
The measure directs County staff to prepare the actions necessary to establish a moratorium ordinance on data center development in unincorporated Los Angeles County, to be initiated as applicable. It does not itself specify an expiration date or ending condition.
People behind it
- Supervisor Hilda L. Solis
Proposed and revised the motion addressing the health and environmental impacts of data centers.
- Supervisor Janice Hahn
Seconded Supervisor Solis's revised motion.
- Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors
Adopted the revised motion and directed its implementation.
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- Los Angeles County Department of Public Health
Directed to lead findings, community outreach, and recommendations concerning data-center health impacts.
- Los Angeles County Department of Regional Planning
Directed to lead planning analysis, regulatory recommendations, and preparation of actions for a potential unincorporated-area moratorium.
- Los Angeles County Department of Public Works
Directed to participate in the County's data-center impact findings and recommendations.
- Los Angeles County Counsel
Directed to explore available legal actions and advise on the proposed regulatory actions.
- Los Angeles County Internal Services Division
Directed to participate in the interdepartmental review and recommendations.
- Los Angeles County Fire Department
Directed to participate in the review of data-center health, environmental, and safety impacts.
- Los Angeles County Chief Sustainability Office
Directed to participate in the interdepartmental review and recommendations.
- Chief Executive Office's Office of Legislative Affairs and Intergovernmental Relations
Directed to assess state-level statutory and regulatory activity and advocate for SB 978 and similar legislation.
Sources
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