• Proposed Ordinance 26-018 would also pause large-load applications while Lakeland reviews its zoning rules and utility requirements
• A citywide pause on data-centre permits would let Lakeland set planning and utility rules before any project enters the approval process
The fact
The Lakeland City Commission gave proposed Ordinance 26-018 its first reading on 20 July. The measure would place a 12-month moratorium on accepting and reviewing development applications for data centres and large-load customers while city staff review Lakeland’s comprehensive plan, land development code and related regulations. Staff would also prepare any proposed amendments. A second hearing and vote are scheduled for 3 August.
The proposal follows debate over Project Swan, a 600,000-square-foot data centre planned by Ryan Companies in west Lakeland. The developer said the facility could require about 100MW, provided Lakeland Electric can supply it. Mayor Sara Roberts McCarley said the utility’s largest comparable customer uses 18MW and officials had not determined whether it could support loads of 50MW or more. The city says its current land-use and zoning rules do not permit data centres, while Lakeland Electric has no customers in the large-load category.
The assessment
Lakeland has no established process for evaluating Project Swan. Its zoning rules do not permit data centres, and Lakeland Electric has no review framework for a request of about 100MW—far above its existing customer base. The moratorium would pause new applications while the city sets planning and utility criteria.
The ordinance would not ban data centres or decide Project Swan. It would give Lakeland time to determine whether such projects should be permitted and on what terms. For BTW readers, this shifts the debate from project-by-project negotiation to upfront planning rules. Developers would need a recognised land-use route and utility criteria for loads well beyond anything Lakeland currently serves before a proposal could proceed.
What to watch
At the 3 August hearing, watch whether commissioners adopt the moratorium and whether it covers Project Swan or other applications already in progress. If approved, the planning and utility amendments should define where data centres may be proposed and how Lakeland Electric will review large-load requests.