Kuna planning commission approves CUNA data center expansion with conditions

The Kuna City Planning and Zoning Commission on July 22 approved a design-review amendment allowing two 135,000-square-foot membrane buildings on approximately 40 acres at 14375 South Cole Road, near the intersection of South Cole Road and West Cunamora Road.

Planner Marina Lundy, representing Kuna City Development Services, told commissioners that the amendment would add the 40 acres to a previously approved data-center site plan and that staff found the proposal compliant with the city’s community code and comprehensive plan. "Staff has reviewed the proposed design review application for compliance with community code and the comprehensive plan and should the commission approve the application staff recommends the applicant be subject to the proposed recommended conditions as outlined in the staff report," Lundy said.

The application before the commission would add two rapid-deployment membrane structures, each about 135,000 square feet, to the site previously approved on June 13, 2023. The applicant said the membrane buildings are intended to have an estimated 25-year life span. Applicant representative Susan Devine said the structures will sit on concrete foundations. "They are on a foundation, a concrete foundation," Devine said.

Commissioners pressed staff and the applicant on the permanence and operational impacts of the proposed structures. Chairman Dana Hennis asked, "So the membrane structures are just meant to basically be long term temporary type structures. Right?" Staff and the applicant confirmed the facilities are designed for a multi‑decade lifecycle but will be on permanent foundations.

Lundy told the commission the expansion would not increase employee or construction traffic at the site and that the additional industrial wastewater systems planned for the development could improve internal water and wastewater management. Staff said that activating the site’s industrial wastewater use could reduce well-water demand and has the potential to expand the city’s water rights and storage capacity.

After brief deliberation the commission voted to approve case number 25‑24DR "with conditions as outlined in the staff report." A motion to approve carried with no recorded opposition. The approval was taken with conditions recommended by staff; the staff report lists the specific site, landscaping and infrastructure conditions the commission attached to the approval.

No other business was discussed and the commission adjourned the meeting.