Seattle Emergency Moratorium on New Large Data Centers (Council Bill 121214)
Seattle, WA · Seattle Council Bill 121214 (adopted June 9, 2026)
On June 9, 2026 the Seattle City Council unanimously passed an emergency one-year moratorium on siting new large data centers (power capacity over 20 megavolt-amperes) while the city studies impacts on the electric grid, water, utility rates, land use, jobs, and public health. It is a temporary pause on large facilities, not a permanent citywide ban: existing data centers may continue operating and expand up to the 20 MVA cap, and the moratorium can be extended once for six months. Mayor Katie Wilson signed the ordinance; it took effect immediately upon signature.
Technical detail
Amended Council Bill 121214 (emergency ordinance, adopted unanimously June 9, 2026) imposes a 365-day moratorium, extendable six months, on establishment of data centers exceeding 20 MVA, paired with a resolution directing impact studies; a public hearing is required within 60 days of adoption.
Who is protected: Seattle residents and utility ratepayers, particularly South Seattle industrial-adjacent communities
Who must comply: Developers and operators proposing new data centers over 20 MVA in Seattle city limits
Key facts
| Jurisdiction | Seattle, WA |
|---|---|
| Level | City / local |
| Status | In effect |
| Protection strength | Moderate protection |
| Effective date | 2026-06-09 |
| Enacted | 2026-06-09 |
| Citation | Seattle Council Bill 121214 (adopted June 9, 2026) |
| Enforced by | Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections; Seattle City Light |
| Topics | data-center siting and energy |
| Last verified | 2026-08-10 |
| Official source | City Council passes emergency data center moratorium and policy framework — Seattle City Council ↗ |
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Related data-center siting and energy rules elsewhere
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