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 San Diego
This restriction takes precedence while in effect. The rating below excludes temporary restrictions.
Neutral Data Center Policies
San Diego has enacted an order described as a temporary pause on new data-center development and expansion while regulations are prepared, though the description also says “if adopted”; its duration and effect on existing facilities are unspecified.
Rating from San Diego County as there are no scored current or future laws outside temporary restrictions for City of San Diego.
current law · City of San DiegoDirects the City to seek a temporary pause on new data center development while it studies impacts and develops local rules for where and how data centers can be built and operated.City of San Diego Executive Order No. 2026-2 (2026)
What this means
If adopted, the temporary moratorium would pause new data center development and expansion while the City works on regulations, making projects substantially harder to start or grow (“temporary moratorium on data center development”). The sources do not give the moratorium’s exact duration, and they do not say it would stop existing facilities from operating.
Timing
The measure directs consideration of a temporary moratorium, but the sources do not specify an expiration date or definite ending condition. The moratorium may be extended by the City Council; the City’s study and regulatory work is to occur while the interim moratorium is adopted, implemented, or extended.
People behind it
- Mayor Todd Gloria
Signed and issued Executive Order No. 2026-2, directing City departments to advance the temporary moratorium and develop permanent data-center regulations.
- City Planning Department
Directed to bring the interim moratorium ordinance before the City Council and develop recommendations for a local data-center regulatory framework.
- Development Services Department
Directed to collaborate with the City Planning Department in developing recommendations for regulations governing the siting, development, construction, operation, and expansion of data centers.
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- Mayor's Government Affairs team
Directed to develop or support state and federal legislative proposals addressing data-center land-use, infrastructure, utility-cost, water-supply, environmental, and neighborhood impacts.
- San Diego City Council
Responsible for considering and acting on the proposed emergency ordinance establishing the temporary moratorium; the ordinance requires an eight-vote approval.
Restrictions & requirementsHide restrictions & requirements2
Directs the City Planning Department to advance an interim ordinance imposing a temporary moratorium on applicable data-center development, establishment, intensification, and expansion while permanent regulations are studied.
Requires City Council approval of the emergency moratorium ordinance, including an eight-vote supermajority under California Government Code section 65858; the moratorium is not effective solely because of the Mayor’s Executive Order.
Sources
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