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Bonner residents seek clarity on proposed AI data center; zoning hurdles and public-comment avenues outlined
Summary
Bonner council members said they expect a busy month with a proposed AI data center; county speakers urged residents to comment at the Missoula County Consolidated Land Use Board (CLUB) meeting and noted the project would likely need a special exception and to demonstrate renewable energy for on-site new energy generation.
Bonner Community Council members described a recent large meeting about the Bonner Mill site and the Blackfoot Crossing subdivision and said they anticipate heavy community interest in a proposed AI data center. Council members asked for basic educational resources and for county staff or subject experts to present at a future meeting so neighbors can better understand the project and permitting process.
Josh (a council speaker) urged residents to attend the Missoula County Consolidated Land Use Board (CLUB) meeting, saying the CLUB will hear any special-exception request for the data center. "They'll have to get a special exception to be within 500 feet of residential area," Josh said, and added that the project would have to show compliance with zoning, including demonstrating that any new energy required is provided by renewable sources.
Bonner members asked staff to identify contacts who could explain "what is this" in clear terms; staff recommended inviting county staff such as Jennie Dixon or Climate Action program staff (Svein Newman) to explain zoning and climate-related aspects. Council members also shared concerns that the data center could require both a special exception and zoning compliance permits, and they were advised that the consolidated land use process and subsequent permit reviews are the established venues for comment and decision-making.
