Jan 30, 2026 | Posted by Abdul-Rahman Oladimeji
A one-year moratorium on data centers has been introduced in New Orleans, Louisiana. At a special meeting this week, the New Orleans City Council approved two motions following news of a proposed data center in New Orleans East and the regulation of future data center developments citywide.
Motion M-26-62 directs the CPC to consider amendments to the city’s Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance (CZO) to formally define data centers and related uses, determine whether such uses should be permitted or conditional within various zoning districts or overlays, and establish appropriate use and design standards. These standards may include density requirements, sound-mitigation measures, safety measures, and other regulations intended to protect the quality of life of nearby residents, businesses, and institutions.
“Too often, the city of New Orleans is reacting to new technology when it's already in our neighborhoods, rather than anticipating potential problems,” said Council President JP Morrell. “Today's passage of the Interim Zoning District turns a page on that narrative by placing a hold on any future development while the City Planning Commission studies the potential impacts of an AI data center in New Orleans East. The City Council shares the community's concerns about the potential adverse effects a data center could have in the East, and no stone will be left unturned.”
