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 Sterling Heights
This restriction takes precedence while in effect. The rating below excludes temporary restrictions.
Mixed Data Center Policies
Sterling Heights has enacted a temporary pause on new data-center applications and construction for up to 12 months; the city may lift it sooner.
Rating from Michigan statewide as there are no scored current or future laws outside temporary restrictions for City of Sterling Heights.
current law · City of Sterling HeightsTemporarily prohibits establishing, building, or constructing data centers in Sterling Heights for 12 months.Sterling Heights City Council data-center moratorium (2026)
What this means
The measure would pause new data center applications and construction across Sterling Heights for up to 12 months, making development substantially harder during that period (moratorium on data centers). It is temporary, and the City could lift it earlier, but it still creates a major near-term barrier to building or expanding data centers.
Timing
- Ends
- 12 months after adoption
The moratorium may be lifted earlier if the zoning ordinance rewrite is completed before the 12-month period ends.
People behind it
- City of Sterling Heights
Requested the twelve-month moratorium and proposed it as a city measure.
- Dr. Jake Parcell
City Planner who presented and explained the proposed moratorium on behalf of the City.
- Barbara A. Ziarko
Moved adoption of the resolution establishing the moratorium.
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- Michael C. Taylor
Seconded the motion to adopt the moratorium resolution.
Restrictions & requirementsHide restrictions & requirements1
A 12-month moratorium prohibits the establishment, erection, or construction of data centers within Sterling Heights, including accepting or processing applications and bringing them before approving bodies during the moratorium.
Sources
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