Central Oklahoma Cities Extend Data Center Moratoriums Into 2027

Oklahoma City and Edmond have extended temporary bans on data center development, as local governments across central Oklahoma race to bring zoning regulations in line with a rapidly expanding industry. The extensions push restrictions on new hyperscale facilities well into 2027, reflecting growing concerns over the environmental and infrastructural toll of large-scale computing infrastructure.

The Oklahoma City Council voted in mid-November to extend its moratorium through the end of next year, while the Edmond City Council will maintain its pause until the end of June. Both measures prevent the cities from accepting rezoning applications or building permits that would allow data center construction or expansion. Edmond's moratorium applies to all data centers, whereas Oklahoma City's restriction targets facilities that could consume more than 75 megawatts of power. According to the International Energy Agency, hyperscale data centers typically have a capacity of 100 megawatts or more, placing them squarely within the scope of the Oklahoma City ban.

Oklahoma City Planning Director Geoff Butler said in a news release that city staff will be researching best practices and working with a consultant and community stakeholders to update the zoning code, including the creation of a specific use unit for data centers. He noted that extending the temporary moratorium would give the City Council time to evaluate the full scope of potential impacts and determine appropriate regulations. The Oklahoma City moratorium could still be lifted before its expiration date, as the city has previously added exemptions for the Expand Energy Campus and a facility near the OKC Outlet Mall.

During Edmond's meeting, Council Member Barry Moore said no data center developers have approached the city, but officials want ordinances in place so that if a data center ever comes forward, there is something to regulate with. The pause in Edmond is precautionary rather than reactive, underscoring how municipalities are preparing for a wave of development that has already reached other parts of the state. Tulsa, Norman, Broken Arrow, Luther and Bryan County have also passed data center moratoriums, and several Oklahoma tribal nations—including the Cherokee Nation, Seminole Nation, and the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes—have enacted similar measures.

Residents across Oklahoma have pushed back against hyperscale data center development because of concerns over water and electricity consumption, pollution from diesel generators, and other potential environmental effects. Last year, Sen. Kendal Sacchieri, R-Blanchard, filed a bill to enact a statewide moratorium on data centers that would have directed the Oklahoma Corporation Commission to study the long-term impacts of the facilities, though the legislation ultimately did not advance to committee. The patchwork of local moratoriums now spans much of central Oklahoma, signaling that regulators and communities are increasingly unwilling to approve large-scale data center projects without clearer rules on resource use and environmental impact.