Summary
The council adopted a moratorium so it can study data centers and battery storage before any applications come in. Residents raised concerns about fire risk, toxic emissions, water use, grid strain, and emergency preparedness. A public hearing on the zoning amendment is set for March 24.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 6
- Last 30 days
- 0
Last discussed Aug 20, 2026.
Impact analysis
No direct cost to taxpayers from the moratorium itself, though future regulations could require bonding or surety from developers.
Residents gain time for the city to write protective rules before these facilities can be proposed.
Developers seeking immediate approval of data center or battery storage projects must wait during the moratorium.
Mentions & discussions (6)
Planning Commission - Aug 20, 2026
Data centers and battery energy storage systems are under a moratorium expected to end later this year. Staff will bring a public involvement process and proposals to the commission and council, and the city attorney offered a sample ordinance as a starting point.
City Council - Apr 7, 2026
The council previously approved a moratorium on siting battery energy storage systems and data centers through year's end while impacts are studied. Resident Terry Tessari commended the cautious approach.
City Council - Mar 24, 2026
The council unanimously paused approvals for data centers and BESS facilities while staff crafts permanent zoning rules. Residents warned about lithium-ion fire risks, toxic gases, and rising utility bills in other communities hosting such facilities.
City Council - Feb 24, 2026
The council adopted a moratorium so it can study data centers and battery storage before any applications come in. Residents raised concerns about fire risk, toxic emissions, water use, grid strain, and emergency preparedness. A public hearing on the zoning amendment is set for March 24.
City Council - Feb 10, 2026
The city's one-year moratorium on data centers and battery energy storage systems (BESS) runs through December 31. The Planning Commission holds a public hearing next Thursday, and the council votes on the ordinance the following Tuesday. Councilmember Olmsted urged everyone to show up, whatever their view.
City Council - Jan 27, 2026
A temporary moratorium on data centers and battery energy storage systems cleared first reading, with adoption set for February 24. Councilmember Olmsted praised it as a proactive step to protect residents from potential land-use and safety impacts.
Related development
We'll email you when it's on an upcoming agenda and when it's voted on, at most once a day.
The weekly brief for Portage
What the council decided, in plain English — one email a week.
Free. Unsubscribe with one click any time. We never sell your email.