Task force adopts broad draft definition of 'high‑density computing facility' as starting point
Summary
Staff read a draft ordinance definition covering hyperscale data centers, AI processing, cryptocurrency mining and supporting infrastructure; the task force agreed the definition should remain broad initially and be narrowed with expert input.
City staff read aloud a draft definition intended to capture the range of high‑density computing operations the task force is studying. Staff read: "Means any facility primarily engaged in large scale, cloud computing, server hosting, artificial intelligence processing, cryptocurrency mining, blockchain processing, hyperscale, computing operations, and co location services ..." and added that the term also includes associated infrastructure such as substations, cooling systems and backup power generation.
Members agreed to keep the definition broad for the initial report and then refine it with input from invited experts. Several members suggested differentiating classes or sizes (for example, hyperscalers versus smaller server operations) and said the final ordinance language could include tiers or a PUD/special‑use process so that only facilities meeting strict criteria would be allowed. Staff flagged that an outright prohibition could expose the city to legal challenge, while PUD or special‑use criteria could give city council strong discretionary review tools.
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