Lawrence KS 24-month data center moratorium (eff. July 14, 2026)
Lawrence, KS 24-Month Data Center Moratorium
Lawrence, KS · Lawrence, KS City Commission unanimous vote, July 14, 2026, 24-month data center moratorium
- Status
- In effect
- Expires
- July 14, 2028
- Applies to
- Data center developers seeking permits or land use approvals within Lawrence city limits, KS
- Enforced by
- City of Lawrence, KS Planning and Development Services; City Commission
The Lawrence, Kansas City Commission voted unanimously on July 14, 2026 to impose a 24-month moratorium on new data center uses within city limits, and to initiate two text amendments to the city's Land Development Code. Under current code, data centers are allowed in industrial zones by right with no special approval; the moratorium pauses all new approvals while planning staff develops new standards. The commission extended the originally proposed 12-month term to 24 months to ensure staff had sufficient time. Lawrence is the seat of Douglas County and home to the University of Kansas.
Who is protected: Lawrence, KS residents (including University of Kansas campus community)
Legal detail
Lawrence (KS) City Commission unanimous vote July 14, 2026, imposing 24-month moratorium on data center uses and initiating two Land Development Code text amendments. Moratorium duration: 24 months from adoption or until repealed, whichever comes first. Current code permits data centers in industrial zones by right (no discretionary approval); text amendments will require special approval process. Commission increased moratorium from the proposed 12 months to 24 months to allow adequate planning time. Two text amendments also initiated. Home rule city; Douglas County seat. University of Kansas campus raises proximity concerns from attendees during public comment.
Key facts
| Jurisdiction | Lawrence, KS |
|---|---|
| Level | City / local |
| Strength | Moderate |
| Enacted | July 14, 2026 |
| Citation | Lawrence, KS City Commission unanimous vote, July 14, 2026, 24-month data center moratorium |
| Penalties | Permit denial during moratorium period |
| Topics | data-center siting and energy |
| News report | Lawrence City Commission approves 2-year data center moratorium — The Lawrence Times |
More AI rules in Lawrence, KS
- Lawrence KS data center special-use-permit text amendment (proposed) · Proposed / pending
Related data-center siting and energy rules elsewhere
- Superior WI Data Center Moratorium (1-year) · In effect
- Dane County WI Hyperscale Data Center Moratorium · In effect
- Madison WI Data Center Moratorium (1-year) · In effect
- Manitowoc County WI Data Center Moratorium · In effect
- WA SB 5982 (Data Center / Clean Energy) · In effect
- Dayton OH data center moratorium (180-day, Apr 2026) · In effect
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