After extending a moratorium, Eureka staff presented three paths for data‑center zoning: full prohibition as a primary use, limited allowances for small facilities with strict objective and performance standards, or researching whether a very large facility could be negotiated as a community benefit. Council favored cautious, industrial‑zone restrictions and conditional permits with strong standards around energy, noise and backups.

Citing potential strains on water, power, cooling and emergency response, the Eureka City Council approved a 45‑day moratorium to allow staff and the city attorney to draft regulatory options and definitions before considering longer extensions or permanent rules.