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 New Haven
This restriction takes precedence while in effect. The rating below excludes temporary restrictions.
Pro-Data Center Policies
New Haven has enacted a 12-month pause on city approvals to build, expand, convert, or redevelop data centers, with exceptions for certain research facilities; existing centers are not expressly barred from operating.
Rating from Connecticut statewide as there are no scored current or future laws outside temporary restrictions for City of New Haven.
current law · City of New HavenProhibits the city from processing or approving data center development for 12 months, except for accessory server rooms and certain quantum or life sciences facilities.New Haven Twelve-Month Data Center Moratorium Ordinance (2026)
What this means
The 12-month moratorium would block city approvals for building, expanding, converting, or redeveloping data centers during that period, creating a major development delay. It exempts certain quantum and life-sciences research facilities, and does not expressly bar existing centers from continuing to operate.
Timing
- Ends
- 12 months from its effective date
The moratorium takes effect upon publication and filing, and remains in effect for 12 months unless sooner repealed or extended by the Board of Alders.
People behind it
- Richard Furlow
Ward 27 Alder who authored and proposed the ordinance.
- Department of Economic Development
Directed by the ordinance to convene and administer the Data Center Working Group, which will study impacts and recommend zoning regulations.
Restrictions & requirementsHide restrictions & requirements1
For 12 months from the ordinance’s effective date, unless sooner repealed or extended, City departments and officials may not accept, process, consider, hear, approve, issue, or grant municipal approvals for establishing, developing, constructing, converting, or redeveloping a data center. The moratorium excludes accessory server rooms and similar facilities serving a permitted principal use, and quantum computing or life sciences research facilities associated with the New Haven Quantum and Life Sciences Innovation Cluster. The moratorium’s scope and duration
Benefits & exceptionsHide benefits & exceptions2
Quantum computing and life sciences research facilities associated with the New Haven Quantum and Life Sciences Innovation Cluster are exempt from the moratorium.
Server rooms, telecommunications closets, and other IT facilities accessory to a permitted principal use are excluded from the ordinance’s definition of a data center, so the moratorium does not apply to them as data centers.
Sources
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