Local
San Diego moves toward temporary data-center moratorium
Mayor Todd Gloria has directed city staff to advance a temporary pause on new data-center development while San Diego writes rules addressing water, electricity, housing and neighborhood impacts.
The proposed moratorium is not yet in effect. The City Council is scheduled to consider it Monday, October 26. If approved, the pause would give the city time to study potential effects, consult residents and industry experts, and draft permanent standards for where and how data centers may operate.
Next step: City Council consideration on October 26
Rulemaking: Preliminary recommendations due within 180 days
Review areas: Water, electricity demand and costs, housing, infrastructure and neighborhoods
Public input: A temporary stakeholder group of up to 15 members
NAVWAR proposal sharpens the debate
NBC 7 San Diego reported that elected officials and activists rallied over a potential 400-megawatt data center within the proposed redevelopment of the Navy’s 70-acre NAVWAR campus in the Midway District. The broader redevelopment concept could also include housing, medical, university, defense and life-sciences facilities.
The mayor’s order also directs city officials to pursue state and federal protections for projects on government property that may fall outside local land-use authority. The Navy says it is updating the project’s environmental analysis with details from potential master developer Manchester/Edgemoor and expects to publish a revised draft environmental impact statement in 2027 for public review.
City officials will develop recommendations on data-center construction, operation and expansion, supported by a temporary working group with expertise in technology, utilities, water, housing, land use and community advocacy.
Official action: City of San Diego — October 22, 2026 →
Project record: NAVWAR revitalization announcements →
Original reporting: NBC 7 San Diego — October 22, 2026 →