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 Aurora
This restriction takes precedence while in effect. The rating below excludes temporary restrictions.
Mixed Data Center Policies
Aurora has enacted a measure pausing data-center applications and permits for up to 12 months and barring existing businesses from expanding into data centers; the city says its zoning code already prohibits them.
Rating from Ohio statewide as there are no scored current or future laws outside temporary restrictions for City of Aurora.
current law · City of AuroraEstablishes a moratorium of up to 12 months on accepting or considering applications for, or issuing, zoning or occupancy permits for buildings, structures, uses, or changes of use involving data centers as permitted uses in Aurora, and prohibits existing businesses from expanding in ways involving such uses during the moratorium.City of Aurora Ordinance 2026-117 (2026)
What this means
The measure would pause applications and permits for data centers for up to 12 months and also bar existing businesses from expanding into that use. The city says its zoning code already does not allow data centers, so the pause mainly reinforces that barrier while the city reviews possible rules.
Timing
- Ends
- Twelve (12) months from the effective date, or earlier if changes are enacted to amend the Codified Ordinances or City Council explicitly revokes the moratorium, whichever occurs first.
The moratorium covers accepting or considering applications and issuing zoning or occupancy permits involving data centers, and it also bars existing businesses from expanding in a way that would involve data centers during the moratorium. The ordinance does not state an explicit calendar expiration date.
People behind it
- Committee of the Whole
Explicitly identified as the sponsor of Ordinance 2026-117.
- Law Department
Listed as the department or sponsor responsible for the measure.
- City administration
Recommended adoption of the moratorium.
Restrictions & requirementsHide restrictions & requirements4
Data centers are not currently permitted as a permitted use under the City's Planning and Zoning Codes.
For up to 12 months, the City will not accept for filing or consideration, or issue zoning or occupancy permits, for any building, structure, use, or change of use involving a data center as a permitted use.
Existing businesses may not expand in any way that would involve a data center as a permitted use during the moratorium.
The moratorium remains in effect for 12 months from the ordinance's effective date, unless the City amends its Codified Ordinances to address data centers or City Council expressly revokes the moratorium earlier.
Sources
Data provided by Regbase · Cookie preferences · Report missing data