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 Kent
This restriction takes precedence while in effect. The rating below excludes temporary restrictions.
Mixed Data Center Policies
Kent has enacted a temporary pause of up to one year on accepting or processing data-center permit applications and issuing permits, but the description’s “if enacted” wording conflicts with its enacted status; existing operations may continue.
Rating from Ohio statewide as there are no scored current or future laws outside temporary restrictions for City of Kent.
current law · City of KentImposes a temporary moratorium of up to one year on granting or issuing permits for proposed data centers within Kent, including the receipt and processing of permit applications under the Kent Codified Ordinances.City of Kent Ordinance 2026-31 (2026)
What this means
If enacted, it would stop the city from accepting or processing permit applications and issuing permits for data centers for up to one year, making new construction or permitted expansions substantially harder during that time. It does not ban continued operation of existing data centers, and the pause is temporary.
Timing
- Ends
- not to exceed one year from passage of the Ordinance
The moratorium applies to granting or issuing permits and receiving or processing permit applications for proposed data centers. No extension condition is stated.
People behind it
- Council of the City of Kent
Proposed, recommended, and adopted the temporary moratorium.
- Jack Armhein
Identified as Mayor and President of Council and signed the ordinance.
- Kathleen Coleman
Clerk of Council who attested to and certified the ordinance.
Restrictions & requirementsHide restrictions & requirements3
Imposes a temporary moratorium of up to one year on granting or issuing any permits for proposed data centers within the City of Kent.
Prohibits the receipt and processing of permit applications for proposed data centers during the moratorium.
Suspends and tolls any legally prescribed deadlines for city departments, officials, or bodies to act on data-center applications or site-plan reviews while the moratorium is in effect.
Sources
Data provided by Regbase · Cookie preferences · Report missing data