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 Woodbury
This restriction takes precedence while in effect. The rating below excludes temporary restrictions.
Mixed Data Center Policies
Woodbury has enacted a one-year citywide pause on permits and applications to build or expand data centers. Existing centers can continue operating.
Rating from Minnesota statewide as there are no scored current or future laws outside temporary restrictions for City of Woodbury.
current law · City of WoodburyImposes a citywide, one-year moratorium on data centers and other high-volume public infrastructure users, which are prohibited uses during the ordinance’s term.City of Woodbury Moratorium on New Data Centers and Expansions
What this means
The measure would impose a citywide moratorium for one year, blocking permits and applications to build or expand data centers. It does not directly stop existing centers from operating, but the temporary ban would make development substantially harder during that period.
Timing
- Ends
- One year from its effective date
The ordinance says it may be repealed earlier by the City Council and terminates sooner if a City Code amendment expressly regulating data centers and/or high-volume public infrastructure users takes effect.
People behind it
- City Council of the City of Woodbury
Adopted and enacted the ordinance.
- City staff
Directed to conduct the study authorized by the ordinance.
- City of Woodbury Planning Commission
Directed to conduct the study authorized by the ordinance.
Restrictions & requirementsHide restrictions & requirements7
A citywide moratorium makes data centers and qualifying high-volume public infrastructure users prohibited uses. A high-volume user is one that would rank among Woodbury’s top annual users of public water or sanitary sewer. Computing facilities that are merely accessory to another lawful principal use are excluded from the data-center definition. The moratorium is imposed throughout the City.
During the moratorium, the City may not issue permits for construction or expansion of a structure or improvements for a data center or covered high-volume user. No building or other City permits shall be issued.
During the moratorium, rezoning proposals—including planned development amendments and concepts—and comprehensive plan amendments for covered uses may not be recommended for approval or approved. No proposal for rezoning.
During the moratorium, conditional use permits and variances for covered uses may not be recommended for approval or approved. No conditional use permit or variance.
During the moratorium, applications to establish or expand a data center may not be accepted, processed, or approved. No application for the establishment or expansion.
The moratorium lasts one year from its effective date, unless the Council repeals it earlier; it ends sooner if the City adopts an ordinance expressly regulating data centers or covered high-volume users. one year from its effective date.
Violations may be enforced through criminal or civil proceedings; a violator may face a misdemeanor, up to 90 days’ imprisonment, a fine up to $1,000, or both, plus prosecution costs. Each day is a separate offense. guilty of a misdemeanor.
Sources
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