The Mexico City Council imposed an initial 90- day moratorium on the consideration of all data centers. 

According to a news release issued by City Manager Bruce Slagle, the moratorium is intended to give the city council and staff time to consider the implications of data centers in the community.

Mexico City Council voted to approve this moratorium following an executive closed session of Council on Aug. 24. During the moratorium, city staff has been directed to take all actions necessary for the development of a framework for the city’s ability to consider and evaluate data centers, the release stated. The city plans to develop a public process for evaluating each data center project based on reasonable, measurable, and enforceable standards that encourage investment from responsible data center developers. 

Some of the standards for evaluating data centers will include zoning, site location, facility size, electrical demands, water demands, wastewater operation discharge, noise levels, traffic, fire response, visual impacts and compatibility with surroundings uses. 

Approval of one data center will not establish a right of precedent for another facility at another location within the city of Mexico, the release stated. Each data center will be evaluated through a public process based on each project’s own merits. 

The release also stated that the city recognizes the potential for significant private investment, economic activity, and additional revenue to local taxing jurisdictions; however, it also understands the need for a public discretionary review and approval before permitting data centers.