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 Warren
This restriction takes precedence while in effect. The rating below excludes temporary restrictions.
Mixed Data Center Policies
Warren’s enacted measures are described inconsistently: one account calls a permanent ban a proposal, while another describes a one-year pause on projects over 1,000 square feet, allowing existing centers to operate and receive routine maintenance.
Rating from Ohio statewide as there are no scored current or future laws outside temporary restrictions for City of Warren.
current law · City of WarrenEstablishes a one-year moratorium within Warren city limits on the construction, placement, expansion, or approval of data centers larger than 1,000 square feet, which Warren City Council passed unanimously on September 9, 2026.Ohio H 2026 data center moratorium ordinance (City of Warren)
What this means
If enacted, the proposed permanent ban would prevent data centers from being built or expanded in Warren, a complete block on development within the city. It was sent to a first reading for further discussion, so it is a proposal, not an enacted ban (proposal sent to a first reading).
Timing
- Ends
- one year after adoption
The measure establishes a one-year moratorium on the construction, placement, expansion, or approval of data centers larger than 1,000 square feet. It also directs the mayor to establish a data center review committee during the moratorium.
People behind it
- Helen Rucker
Warren councilwoman-at-large who introduced the ordinance and co-sponsored the measure.
- Ronald White Sr.
Warren 7th-Ward councilman who co-introduced the legislation.
- Doug Franklin
Warren mayor responsible for establishing and leading the data center review committee during the moratorium.
Restrictions & requirementsHide restrictions & requirements2
For one year, bans the construction, placement, expansion, or approval of data centers larger than 1,000 square feet within Warren city limits.
A proposed ordinance would permanently ban data centers in Warren; it was introduced and sent to first reading for further discussion but had not yet been enacted.
Sources
current law · City of WarrenThe City of Warren's September 9, 2026 legislative summary identifies Ordinance 13625/2026 (Draft 0840): a one-year moratorium on construction, placement, expansion or approval of data centers larger than 1,000 square feet within the city, directing the mayor to establish a select data center review committee.Ohio Warren Data-Center Moratorium Ordinance (2026)
What this means
The measure would pause construction, expansion, placement, and approval of data centers larger than 1,000 square feet for one year, creating a major barrier to new projects. Existing centers could keep operating and doing ordinary maintenance, but the one-year moratorium still makes development substantially harder.
Timing
- Ends
- one year after the ordinance takes effect
The moratorium expires unless later legislation extends, repeals, or replaces it.
People behind it
- Doug Franklin
The ordinance directs him to establish a Data Center Review Committee.
Restrictions & requirementsHide restrictions & requirements1
A one-year moratorium bars construction, placement, expansion, or approval of data centers larger than 1,000 square feet. It does not stop continued operation or ordinary maintenance of a lawfully existing data center, or repairs that do not expand it (moratorium threshold; exceptions).
Benefits & exceptionsHide benefits & exceptions1
Lawfully existing data centers may continue operating and receive ordinary maintenance; repairs that do not expand an existing data center are also exempt from the moratorium. The legislation does not stop continued operation or ordinary maintenance.
Sources
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