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The Data Center Divide

City of Lowell

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

Mixed Data Center Policies

Lowell has enacted a measure pausing new data-center construction and expansion for 360 days, with a possible extension of up to 180 days. Existing centers may continue operating.

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

current law · City of Lowell
Prohibits new data-center construction and development, including new expansions, in Lowell for 360 days while the city studies impacts and develops zoning rules; the moratorium can end earlier if new rules are adopted or be extended once for up to 180 days.Lowell 360-day data-center zoning moratorium (2026)

What this means

The proposed measure would pause new data center construction and development, including new expansion of existing centers, for 360 days, with a possible extension of up to 180 days (moratorium and extension terms). It does not ban ongoing operation of existing centers, but the lengthy pause makes new projects substantially harder in the near term.

Timing

Ends
360 days after passage, or earlier on the effective date of a zoning-code amendment regulating data centers

The moratorium may be extended once, by a two-thirds City Council vote, for no more than 180 days.

People behind it

  • Originated the ordinance request, which was sent to the Planning Board for review. original submission from the City Council

  • Reviewed the proposed amendment and issued a unanimous positive recommendation with proposed changes. voted unanimously to issue a positive recommendation

  • Responsible for coordinating the study and zoning review during the moratorium, including developing a timeline for recommendations and possible code amendments. City staff shall review current Zoning Codes

Restrictions & requirementsHide restrictions & requirements3

  • A 360-day moratorium bars new data-center construction and development and prevents the City from accepting new applications or permits for data-center zoning permissions. It also covers new expansions of existing data centers, but does not apply retroactively to lawful existing structures or uses, or permits protected under M.G.L. c. 40A, § 6. The moratorium ends earlier if the Zoning Code is amended to regulate data centers. The moratorium and its scope

  • The moratorium may be extended once, for no more than 180 days, only by a two-thirds vote of the City Council. The extension limit

  • The amended industrial-use table marks data centers as prohibited in the listed zoning districts except the General Industrial (GI) district, where they are marked permitted. The Data Centers use-table entry

Benefits & exceptionsHide benefits & exceptions4

  • The use table marks data centers as permitted in the General Industrial (GI) district and prohibited in the other listed districts. This does not remove the temporary moratorium or other applicable requirements. Data Centers

  • The amended text limits the definition to buildings whose primary intended use is commercial housing, operation, or support of computing infrastructure. Facilities where data-center activity is not the primary intended use fall outside that definition. primary intended use

  • The measure says the moratorium’s treatment of new expansions does not apply retroactively, subject to the cited state-law exceptions. It also quotes the protection for uses and structures lawfully in existence or begun, and for permits issued before the required public-hearing notice. This is a limited protection, not general permission for new expansions. lawfully in existence

  • The moratorium is temporary: it ends after 360 days, or earlier if the zoning code is amended to regulate data centers. The Council may extend it once, for no more than 180 days. terminate on the effective date

Sources

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