Planning staff defers new data-center draft, will post updated code ahead of Oct. 15 work session
Summary
Planning staff told the Spokane County Planning Commission they have postponed preparing a second draft of a zoning text amendment for large-load data centers, will post a revised draft roughly a week before the Oct. 15 work session, and expect a formal public hearing in November; staff said public comments are being folded into the next version.
Planning staff presented a summary of public comments on a proposed zoning text amendment for large-load data centers and announced a revised draft will be posted ahead of the commissionwork session on Oct. 15, with a public hearing likely in November. The presentation emphasized definitions, zoning applicability, conditional-use permitting, water and wastewater impacts, and protections for critical aquifer recharge areas.
Planning staff said the second draft was deferred to gather more information after "significant public comment and interest," and to incorporate that feedback into the next version. "We have deferred creating a new draft to gather more information from today's public, and then we will take that into account and move forward," the planning presenter said. The presenter also said the county updated its capital facilities plan in 2023 and will reincorporate changes into the comprehensive plan in 2026.
The staff overview listed a range of issues that will shape the next draft: clear definitions to avoid loopholes; limiting where large-load facilities are permitted; requiring conditional-use permits (not administrative approvals) with public notice and a hearing examiner decision; water feasibility and pretreatment requirements for wastewater; and protections for critical aquifer recharge areas. Staff also said items likely to be addressed in permit conditions or development agreements include monitoring, periodic compliance checks, and requirements for decommissioning and financial assurance.
The commission asked staff to post the revised text roughly a week before Oct. 15 so the public has time to review. Staff directed members of the public to the county planning web page for the comment catalog and for future postings. The presentation closed with staff explaining the commission's role: to listen to public feedback, refine policy and make a recommendation to the County Commissioners, who will decide whether to accept, modify or reject the recommendation.
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