The City Commission voted to transmit a comprehensive-plan amendment (Ordinance 2026-23) reaffirming that data centers are not permitted in Ormond Beach, allowed on-premises server rooms as accessory uses, and amended policy language to explicitly include commercial uses when denying out-of-city water service.

Joao Ferreira of the Weldon Cooper Center briefed the Virginia Beach Planning Commission on Oct. 14, saying hyperscale data centers generate major electricity and water peaks, offer significant local tax revenue but contribute relatively few permanent jobs. He urged transparency on peak water use and power connections before local approval.

Board members debated whether to adopt a moratorium or tailored ordinance for data centers, discussed infrastructure demands (power, water, noise), and agreed to await a state study due Jan. 29, 2027 while reviewing model ordinances from other towns.

County economic‑development officials and commissioners agreed to form a small, impartial panel to research data‑center siting, power and water implications and to recommend LDR updates; staff warned current land‑development regulations do not explicitly address data centers.

California utilities raise rates significantly amid wildfire spending and increasing load growth.