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Regbase

The Data Center Divide

City of Barberton

This restriction takes precedence while in effect. The rating below excludes temporary restrictions.

Strongly Pro-Data Center Policies

Barberton has enacted measures pausing data-center development and zoning permits until a new city zoning code is adopted; no end date is specified, and existing operations are not clearly barred.

Rating from Summit County as there are no scored current or future laws outside temporary restrictions for City of Barberton.

current law · City of Barberton
Would impose a moratorium on data centers within Barberton, citing the City’s limited available land and its view that data centers require more open land and do not contribute to community economic development (Resolution/Ordinance No.City of Barberton Resolution/Ordinance No. 157-2025

What this means

The measure imposes a moratorium on data centers in Barberton, which would prevent new development while it is in effect (“imposes a moratorium on Data Centers”). The text gives no end date, so it creates a severe barrier, though it is framed as a moratorium rather than a permanent ban.

Timing

The ordinance imposes a moratorium on data centers within Barberton, but the sources do not specify an expiration date or ending condition.

People behind it

  • Presented the measure as its sponsor.

  • Enacted the ordinance imposing the moratorium.

Restrictions & requirementsHide restrictions & requirements1

  • Imposes a moratorium on data centers within the City of Barberton, prohibiting their development or operation; the measure specifies no exceptions or end date.

Benefits & exceptionsHide benefits & exceptions4

  • Repeals Ordinance No. 157-2025, removing the moratorium that prohibited data centers within Barberton.

  • Adds data centers to Chapter 1130's Allowable Uses, Group 19C, making them an expressly permitted use category subject to the listed requirements.

  • Allows data centers to seek approval through the Development Code's Conditional Use Permit process and Planning Commission review.

  • Provides that, if a new Development Code is adopted, the equivalent zoning, allowable-use, use-group, and restriction provisions for data centers will apply.

Sources

current law · City of Barberton
Amends the moratorium on issuing zoning permits under Resolution No. 164-2023 for various businesses, including used-car lots, mini warehouses, limited indoor storage, new-build dollar stores, tobacco shops, data centers, vape stores, and marijuana cultivation and processing; mini warehouses in industrial-use districts are excepted.City of Barberton Ordinance No. 50-2026

What this means

The measure would stop the City from issuing zoning permits for data centers until it adopts a new zoning code, making new development and expansion that needs permits substantially harder. The source gives no end date, and it does not clearly ban existing data center operations (“moratorium until the adoption of the new City of Barberton Zoning Code”).

Timing

Ends
the adoption of the new City of Barberton Zoning Code

The moratorium applies to the listed business uses until the new zoning code is adopted. Mini warehouses in industrial-use zoning districts remain excepted.

People behind it

  • Presented Resolution No. 50-2026 and moved for its adoption.

  • Seconded the motion to adopt Resolution No. 50-2026.

Restrictions & requirementsHide restrictions & requirements1

  • A citywide moratorium prohibits the issuance of zoning permits for data centers until the new City of Barberton Zoning Code is adopted. The measure provides no data-center exception; the only stated exception allows mini warehouses in industrial-use zoning districts. prohibiting zoning permits for ... Data Centers

Sources

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