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 Rochester Hills
This restriction takes precedence while in effect. The rating below excludes temporary restrictions.
Mixed Data Center Policies
Rochester Hills pauses processing new data-center applications for up to 180 days, except for qualifying projects already approved or submitted by February 23, 2026; existing facilities may operate.
Rating from Michigan statewide as there are no scored current or future laws outside temporary restrictions for City of Rochester Hills.
current law · City of Rochester HillsTemporarily pauses Rochester Hills from accepting or processing most data center development applications for up to 180 days, with limited exceptions for projects already approved or submitted as complete plans.Rochester Hills Ordinance No. 201 (2026)
What this means
The measure would pause the city’s processing and acceptance of new data-center development applications and permits, creating a substantial delay for new projects and expansions. The pause lasts up to 180 days, with an exception for projects that had already received approval or submitted complete plans by February 23, 2026; it does not prohibit operating existing data centers. The moratorium suspends processing and acceptance of applications, and it remains in effect for up to 180 calendar days.
Timing
- Ends
- When repealed by the City Council or after 180 calendar days, whichever occurs sooner.
The City Council may extend the moratorium at the end of the 180-day period if work and review of existing and proposed ordinances has been ongoing and additional time is necessary; the extension must be no longer than necessary.
People behind it
- Marvie Neubauer
Introduced the motion to adopt Ordinance No. 201.
- Diana Mannino
Seconded the motion to adopt Ordinance No. 201.
- Rochester Hills City Council
Adopted Ordinance No. 201 and established the temporary data-center moratorium.
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- Bryan K. Barnett
Mayor who signed the adopted ordinance.
- Leanne Scott
City Clerk who certified the ordinance’s adoption.
Restrictions & requirementsHide restrictions & requirements4
A temporary moratorium suspends the City’s processing and acceptance of applications, plans, and permits for developing, improving, or altering any land parcel, lot, or premises for a data center.
The moratorium lasts until the City Council repeals it or 180 calendar days expire, whichever occurs first; the Council may extend it for the minimum additional time necessary if it shows that ordinance review is ongoing and more time is needed.
The moratorium does not apply to a data-center development or building that received site-plan approval or submitted complete plans for site-plan approval on or before February 23, 2026.
Violations are municipal civil infractions punishable by a civil fine of up to $500.
Benefits & exceptionsHide benefits & exceptions2
Existing or nearly approved data centers are exempt from the moratorium if they had received site-plan approval or submitted complete plans to the City by February 23, 2026. The moratorium does not apply to qualifying developments
The moratorium is temporary and expires after 180 calendar days unless the City Council repeals it sooner, allowing data-center applications, plans, or permits to resume afterward unless the Council adopts a permitted extension. Any extension requires a showing that ordinance work and review are ongoing and that additional time is necessary, and it must be limited to the least time necessary. The moratorium expires after 180 calendar days
Sources
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