The San Mateo County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday, Oct. 20, passed a resolution telling county staff to prepare zoning changes that could include a countywide ban on new data center construction in unincorporated areas.
Why it matters: San Mateo County joins a growing list of Bay Area governments pausing or limiting AI data centers while they decide on long-term rules.
What passed
The resolution, requested by the District 4 supervisor's office and introduced Sept. 24, directs the Planning and Building Department to work with the County Executive's Office and County Attorney's Office on "appropriate amendments" to the zoning code, including a potential ban. It does not stop any project by itself.
"What we are contemplating is taking an initial step to assess what is best for our communities, our residents, and our local economy," Supervisor Lisa Gauthier, a sponsor, said, Bay City News reported.
Who else is acting
Oakland, San Francisco and Gilroy have passed temporary moratoriums, and Pittsburg will consider a 45-day pause on Oct. 26, KALW reported. See our stories on Pittsburg and Hayward and Richmond.