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Regbase

The Data Center Divide

City of Easthampton

This restriction takes precedence while in effect. The rating below excludes temporary restrictions.

Mixed Data Center Policies

Easthampton has enacted a moratorium blocking approvals and applications for new data centers, conversions, and expansions for up to 18 months; the description also says “if enacted.” Existing centers may operate and receive routine maintenance and certain equipment replacements.

Rating from Massachusetts statewide as there are no scored current or future laws outside temporary restrictions for City of Easthampton.

current law · City of Easthampton
Prohibits new data centers, conversions to data-center use, and expansions for up to 18 months while the city studies permanent rules.Easthampton, Massachusetts Temporary Moratorium on Data Centers (2026)

What this means

If enacted, this would block zoning approvals for new data centers, conversions, and expansions for up to 18 months, and the city would not accept or act on related applications (moratorium terms). Existing centers could still operate, and routine maintenance and certain equipment replacements would be allowed (existing-facility exceptions).

Timing

Ends
The earliest of 18 months from its effective date, the effective date of subsequent zoning amendments regulating data centers, or repeal by City Council vote.

The effective date is when City Council votes on the amendment and the Mayor signs it; the sources do not state that exact date. No extension condition is stated.

People behind it

  • Planning Director who originally drafted the moratorium proposal.

  • City Council President who collaborated with the Planning Director on the original draft.

  • Held the public hearing, favorably recommended the amendment, and is tasked with studying permanent regulations.

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  • Is tasked with studying data centers and developing recommendations for permanent regulations.

  • Adopted the zoning amendment and directed the study of permanent regulations.

Restrictions & requirementsHide restrictions & requirements6

  • The moratorium bars zoning approvals for constructing a new data center, converting an existing building to one, expanding one, or establishing one through another use. It covers as-of-right uses, special permits, site-plan approvals, and other zoning-based municipal approvals. Construction of a new Data Center

  • While the moratorium is in effect, the City and its departments may not accept or act on applications for the covered approvals. Applications for such approvals

  • The moratorium ends at the earliest of 18 months after its effective date, the effective date of later zoning amendments regulating data centers, or City Council repeal. Eighteen (18) months

  • The moratorium applies to covered zoning approvals not issued by the first publication of notice of the amendment’s public hearing. Not issued as of the date of the first publication

  • The definition covers facilities primarily used for digital data processing or storage, including cloud, AI, and cryptocurrency facilities. It excludes accessory server rooms or equipment under 2,500 square feet, certain federally regulated telecommunications equipment, specified governmental facilities, and equipment accessory to listed uses such as hospitals, schools, and offices. Less than 2,500 square feet

  • For existing lawful facilities, the measure preserves routine maintenance and repair, equipment replacement that does not increase size, capacity, or intensity, and accessory interior improvements that do not establish or expand a data center. Replacement of equipment that does not increase

Benefits & exceptionsHide benefits & exceptions4

  • The moratorium does not apply to zoning approvals issued before the first publication of the hearing notice, leaving those previously approved projects outside this restriction. Approvals issued before the first notice

  • Existing lawful facilities may receive routine maintenance and repairs, and may replace equipment if the replacement does not increase the use’s size, capacity, or intensity. Replacement of equipment

  • Interior improvements are allowed when accessory to a lawful use and when they do not establish or expand a data center. Interior improvements accessory to a lawful use

  • Several categories are excluded from the data-center definition, including accessory server rooms or equipment under 2,500 square feet; federally regulated telecommunications equipment serving a communications network; primarily governmental municipal, public-safety, educational, or utility facilities; and computer equipment accessory to specified institutions or businesses when it serves their principal use. The stated exclusions

Sources

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