Hawthorne Blocks New Data Centers Through 2027 As Officials Weigh Permanent Restrictions

HAWTHORNE, CA — Hawthorne has extended its temporary ban on new and expanded data centers through September 2027, giving city officials additional time to examine whether the facilities should face tougher restrictions or potentially be prohibited altogether.

The City Council approved Interim Urgency Ordinance U-2271 on Oct. 13, extending a moratorium first imposed in September amid concerns about electricity and water consumption, noise and the potential effects of large-scale data centers on surrounding neighborhoods.

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The ordinance prevents the city from issuing permits, business licenses or other approvals that would allow new data center uses. The restrictions are scheduled to expire at 11:59 p.m. Sept. 8, 2027.

The extension follows the council's Sept. 8 adoption of Ordinance U-2270, which established an initial 45-day moratorium while officials considered permanent zoning regulations. Although the latest action effectively puts new data center development and expansion on hold, it does not constitute a permanent ban.

Why Hawthorne Is Taking A Closer Look

According to the ordinance, Hawthorne's municipal code does not currently define data centers as a separate land use, even though the city has at least two facilities that could qualify as data centers or potentially be converted into them.

Those properties are former or existing telephone-switching facilities that evolved from manual operations to electronic and computerized systems during the 1960s and 1970s.

City officials argue that modern data centers present challenges far beyond those associated with traditional telecommunications facilities, particularly because of their potentially substantial electricity and water requirements.

The ordinance identifies cooling-system noise, greenhouse gas emissions, wastewater disposal and increased demands on utility infrastructure among the issues requiring further study. Officials also raised concerns about air quality, neighborhood appearance, property values and residents' quality of life.

The findings do not establish that any particular Hawthorne facility has caused those problems. Instead, the city says the moratorium is necessary to evaluate potential impacts and develop appropriate regulations before additional projects are approved.

During the Oct. 13 council meeting, officials reported receiving 35 written communications supporting the moratorium.

Residents who addressed the council raised concerns about water consumption, utility costs and the suitability of data centers in populated neighborhoods.

Could A Permanent Ban Follow?

The discussion went beyond the immediate extension, with one council member arguing that large data centers were inappropriate for densely populated communities.

While acknowledging the importance of artificial intelligence and the infrastructure supporting it, the council member suggested that Hawthorne should consider prohibiting such facilities rather than simply imposing additional restrictions. No permanent ban was adopted, however, and the city has not committed to pursuing one.

The meeting also addressed speculation circulating on social media about a possible data center on 120th Street. A council member disputed claims that such a project was underway, although the discussion did not establish whether any formal development proposals had been submitted elsewhere in the city.

Hawthorne's action falls under California Government Code Section 65858, which allows local governments to temporarily restrict certain land uses while studying possible changes to zoning regulations. The law requires a four-fifths council vote to adopt or extend such an urgency measure. Ordinance U-2271 took effect immediately following its approval.

For now, Hawthorne has put additional data center approvals on hold while officials examine the potential consequences of allowing the facilities to operate or expand within city limits. Whether that review ultimately produces new development standards, additional environmental safeguards or a permanent prohibition remains an open question.