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.
City of Oakland
This restriction takes precedence while in effect. The rating below excludes temporary restrictions.
Neutral Data Center Policies
Oakland enacted a temporary pause on approvals and agreements for data-center projects, making new developments and expansions harder; it does not require existing centers to close.
Rating from Alameda County as there are no scored current or future laws outside temporary restrictions for City of Oakland.
current law · City of OaklandPauses approvals and agreements for developing or operating data centers in Oakland.Oakland Ordinance No. 13899 C.M.S.
What this means
The measure would temporarily block approvals and agreements for data-center development or operation, making new projects and expansions substantially harder. It targets approvals rather than ordering existing data centers to shut down, so it is a serious temporary barrier, not an outright ban. temporary moratorium on approvals
Timing
- Ends
- 45 days after adoption
The interim moratorium is effective immediately and expires after 45 days unless extended under California Government Code Section 65858.
People behind it
- Carroll Fife
Explicitly identified sponsor and councilmember who recommended adoption of the interim ordinance.
Restrictions & requirementsHide restrictions & requirements3
Imposes an immediate temporary moratorium on approving any land-use entitlements or agreements that would allow the development or operation of data centers in Oakland.
The moratorium is adopted as an urgency measure and takes effect immediately upon adoption.
The moratorium is temporary and operates under the time limits applicable to an interim ordinance adopted under California Government Code section 65858.
Benefits & exceptionsHide benefits & exceptions4
Existing, lawfully operating data centers may continue operating during the moratorium; the measure does not require them to close.
The moratorium does not apply to permits or approvals limited to the maintenance, repair, or replacement of existing data-center facilities, so long as the work does not expand the facility or intensify its use.
Projects with land-use entitlement applications that were complete before the ordinance took effect are exempt from the moratorium and may continue through the approval process.
The moratorium is temporary and does not permanently prohibit data centers; it suspends covered approvals only for the ordinance's limited effective period.
Sources
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