Poway Council Moves To Ban AI Data…Poway Council Moves To Ban AI Data Centers

Poway City Council has advanced an ordinance that would prohibit large, standalone third-party AI data centers throughout the city. Council members cite potential water and electricity demand, infrastructure pressure, utility-rate effects, environmental impacts and fire risk, while also arguing that limited business-park land should support more employment-intensive uses. Final adoption is scheduled for October 6, 2026, with effectiveness 30 days afterward if approved.