Fresno – In a move aimed at protecting the city’s resources and encouraging more productive land use, Mayor Jerry Dyer said Wednesday he will co‑sponsor Councilmember Nick Richardson’s resolution to ban data centers throughout Fresno.
Resolution targets a 10‑year ban
The proposed resolution directs city staff to draft a 10‑year prohibition on data centers into Fresno’s Development Code. Currently, a loophole allows a Planning Director to approve data‑center projects despite the city’s general zoning rules. Richardson’s measure would close that loophole and ensure the ban is codified in the city’s long‑term planning framework.
Mayor Dyer’s concerns
“Data centers are not an appropriate land use for the City of Fresno under current technologies,” Dyer said in a statement released by his office. He noted that he has attended multiple presentations on data‑center operations over the past year and spoken with mayors in other municipalities where such facilities have been built.
The mayor highlighted several specific drawbacks: high electricity and water demand, extensive cooling‑system requirements, constant mechanical noise, and a relatively small number of permanent jobs compared with the large parcels of land the facilities occupy.
Push for housing and manufacturing
Mayor Dyer emphasized his vision for the South Southeast Development Area (SEDA). “I want to see land in Fresno, especially within South SEDA, used to create additional housing and good‑paying jobs in industries such as advanced manufacturing,” he said.
City staff are already working on a new development code for the Southeast Development Area specific plan, which has not yet been approved by the council. The mayor’s statement indicated that the forthcoming code would also prohibit data centers, reinforcing the councilmember’s resolution.
Local impact and next steps
If adopted, the ban would prevent future data‑center projects from being sited in Fresno, preserving valuable utilities and keeping noise levels down for nearby residents. Supporters argue the move will free up land for housing projects and manufacturing facilities that can provide more stable, higher‑wage employment for the community.
The city council is scheduled to consider the resolution on Thursday. Councilmembers and community stakeholders are expected to debate the merits of the ban, weighing the city’s need for reliable broadband infrastructure against the concerns raised by the mayor and councilmember Richardson.
Community response
Local business leaders and residents have expressed mixed reactions. Some applaud the focus on housing and manufacturing, while others caution that limiting data‑center development could affect Fresno’s ability to attract certain technology investments. The council’s decision will set a precedent for how the city balances utility‑intensive projects with broader economic development goals.
Mayor Dyer’s co‑sponsorship signals strong executive support for the ban and underscores his administration’s commitment to stewardship of Fresno’s natural resources, infrastructure, and quality of life for families.
Original reporting: Fresnoland — read the source article.
