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.
Town of Northborough
Anti-Data Center Policies
Northborough allows data centers only in its Industrial District, with Planning Board approval, and caps them at 5 MW; reviews must consider power, water, noise, traffic, and other impacts.
current law · Town of NorthboroughAllows data centers of 5 MW or less only in Northborough’s Industrial District with a Planning Board special permit, subject to reviews of infrastructure, environmental impacts, noise, safety, and compatibility with nearby uses.Massachusetts Northborough Annual Town Meeting Article 53 (2026)
What this means
The measure would allow data centers only in the Industrial District, with Planning Board approval, and ban them in other districts; it also caps them at 5 MW. These limits and the required review of power, water, noise, traffic, and other impacts create significant barriers, though they leave a path for smaller projects.
Restrictions & requirementsHide restrictions & requirements10
Data centers are prohibited in all zoning districts except the Industrial District. Prohibited in all other zoning districts
In the Industrial District, a data center requires a special permit from the Planning Board. Allows Data Centers in the I District by special permit
Eligibility is limited to data centers with projected electrical demand of 5 MW or less at full build-out. Maximum projected electrical demand of 5 MW or less
For a special permit, the Planning Board must consider whether electrical infrastructure is adequate, including redundancy, utility coordination, and on-site backup power. Adequacy of electrical infrastructure
The Planning Board must consider the adequacy of cooling, water, and environmental-control systems and their impacts on municipal water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure. Adequacy of cooling, water, and environmental control systems
The Planning Board must consider whether security infrastructure, including lighting and perimeter protection, is adequate. Adequacy of security infrastructure
The Planning Board must consider noise, vibration, and air-quality impacts from equipment, cooling systems, and backup generators. Noise, vibration, and air-quality impacts
The Planning Board must consider site access, traffic circulation, emergency access, and compatibility with surrounding uses. Site access, traffic circulation, emergency access
The Planning Board must consider screening mechanical equipment, backup generators, and utility yards from public ways and neighboring properties. Screening of mechanical equipment
The Planning Board must consider compliance with applicable federal, state, and local environmental, fire-protection, and building requirements. Compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local requirements
Benefits & exceptionsHide benefits & exceptions2
Allows data centers to seek a Planning Board special permit in the Industrial District; the use is prohibited in other zoning districts, and projected electrical demand must be 5 MW or less at full build-out. “allows Data Centers in the I District by special permit”
Allows office, administrative, and other ancillary activities when they are accessory to the data center’s principal functions. “ancillary activities may be permitted only as accessory”
Sources
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