Tulsa City Council Approves One-Year Moratorium on Data Center Construction

The Tulsa City Council unanimously approved a one-year moratorium on new data center construction to assess zoning classifications and impacts, particularly noise. The decision allows for continued work on Project Anthem while addressing concerns raised by 19 speakers regarding job creation. The moratorium will last until December 31 or until zoning changes are implemented, with updates from the Planning Office every 60 days.

Published Mar 27, 2026

The Tulsa City Council voted unanimously to impose a one-year moratorium on new data center construction within city limits, initiated by Councilor Laura Bellis. This pause is intended to allow the City Planning Office to evaluate the classification of hyperscale data centers in the zoning code due to concerns about noise and off-site effects.

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The moratorium exempts the initial phases of Project Anthem, the only significant data center project underway in Tulsa County. Councilors debated the duration of the moratorium but settled on a timeline that ends December 31 or earlier if zoning changes are made. Updates from the Planning Office will be provided every 60 days, pending Mayor Monroe Nichols' approval of the measure.