📢 DATA CENTER PETITION UPDATE — WHERE THINGS STAND

There has been an important development regarding data centers and the Sunset Crossroads Specific Plan.

On September 2, 2026, the Banning Planning Commission moved forward an amendment to the Sunset Crossroads Specific Plan that would remove data centers from the permitted-use table. The amendment has now been forwarded to the Banning City Council for consideration on October 13, 2026.

This is an important step, but it is not a citywide solution to the data center issue.

Removing data centers from the Sunset Crossroads Specific Plan’s permitted-use table is different from establishing comprehensive citywide standards, conducting a broader analysis of data center impacts, or adopting a citywide ordinance, moratorium, or ban.

What about the broader data center review?
As part of this petition effort, I previously requested that the City formally agendize the issue of data centers so that their potential impacts could be properly reviewed and analyzed, with consideration given to appropriate regulations—including ordinances, a moratorium, or a ban.

I followed up on that request after receiving no response.

As of today, I have not received a response from the City Manager to either request.

I don’t want to speculate about why the City has not responded. There may be legal or procedural considerations affecting how and when the City can address data centers, particularly in relation to the existing Sunset Crossroads Specific Plan and the November ballot measures. At this point, however, I have received no explanation from the City.

So where does that leave us?
The Planning Commission’s action is a development worth watching, and the October 13 City Council meeting will be an important next step for the Sunset Crossroads amendment.

At the same time, the larger question of how Banning will address data center development more broadly remains unresolved.

This petition was created to ask the City to study the impacts, engage the public, and establish clear standards before permitting data center development. Those concerns remain relevant.

I will continue to follow the City’s actions and share updates as more information becomes available.

Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to learn about this issue, sign the petition, share information, and participate in the conversation. Our community deserves transparency, facts, and meaningful public engagement when decisions with long-term consequences are being considered.