Data Centers

Data center development proposals, permits, zoning, and community impact

Meeting history

1. May 6, 2026
   City Council Meeting — May 6, 202698%

   The council waived second reading and adopted a regular ordinance that prohibits the construction of data centers in Monterey Park, with the ordinance taking effect on the same date as Measure NDC if it passes the June 2 election. The motion was moved by Council Member Wong, seconded by Sanchez, and passed unanimously 5‑0. The ordinance is now in force pending any future voter approval of Measure NDC, and the city will begin enforcement and compliance monitoring.

2. March 4, 2026
   City Council Meeting — March 4, 202697%

   The council held a public hearing and adopted an amended urgency ordinance (No. 2274) that extends the existing moratorium on data‑center development for an additional ten months and fifteen days, effectively pausing new land‑use applications in the city until January 21, 2027. Council members Vinh T. Ngo and Thomas Wong moved the ordinance, it was seconded by Wong, and passed unanimously (4‑5 vote). In addition, the council adopted a letter‑of‑support motion for California Assembly Bill 1577 and related Senate Bills, and approved a series of resolutions (2026‑R5 through 2026‑R8) that call for a June 2, 2026 special election and a citywide proposition to prohibit data centers. The next steps include filing the ordinance, issuing the required notice, and continuing public hearings through March 18, 2026.

3. February 4, 2026
   City Council Meeting — February 4, 202697%

   The council adopted a unanimous motion (Item 9.A) directing the City Manager and Attorney to prepare a draft ballot proposition that would prohibit data centers citywide while allowing housing development in Saturn Park. The motion was voted on and approved, but no actual policy change or ballot measure was adopted at the meeting. Public comments highlighted environmental and health concerns, while supporters cited economic benefits and housing needs. Staff will now develop the proposition and an Environmental Impact Report, with a follow‑up hearing scheduled for the next council meeting.

4. January 21, 2026
   City Council Meeting — January 21, 202697%

   The council adopted an urgency ordinance (Item 5A) establishing a 45‑day moratorium on new data‑center permits in the Saturn Park zone. The motion, moved by Council Member Wong and seconded by Henry Lo, passed unanimously (all present members voted aye). Public comments during the meeting were overwhelmingly opposed to a data‑center, citing environmental and health concerns; council members expressed support for the moratorium as a temporary measure while staff prepares regulations. Following the vote, City Manager Vinh Ngo will draft the moratorium regulations and schedule a public hearing before the ordinance expires on March 7, 2026.

5. November 19, 2025
   City Council Meeting — November 19, 202598%

   The council opened a public hearing on the proposed 247,480‑sq‑ft data center at 1977 Saturn Avenue and moved the hearing to the next regular meeting on December 3, 2025. A motion to continue the hearing was carried unanimously (4‑0). No decision on the development agreement or ordinance has yet been made; the council will consider the evidence and vote on the data‑center approval at the December meeting.