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Commission defers data-center zoning changes, cites state preemption for very large projects
Summary
The commission discussed ZA-3-26, a proposed amendment to address data centers and information-technology facilities, and decided to pause active rulemaking while staff studies options such as industrial-park designation and tighter definitions; commissioners noted the state industrial-siting threshold limits local authority for very large projects.
Commissioners discussed a proposed zoning resolution amendment (ZA-3-26) intended to clarify how information-technology facilities and data centers would fit into Albany County zoning. Staff noted that projects with construction costs above the state industrial-siting threshold (discussed at roughly $290 million in the meeting) are subject to state permitting and largely preempt local land-use authority.
Members debated whether to pursue local definitions, conditional-use processes, or an industrial-park pathway that would give the county clearer regulatory control for projects that fall below the state threshold. Several commissioners urged caution and suggested postponing active drafting until the county can define thresholds, review model regulations, and weigh the costs and benefits of local oversight versus relying on the state industrial-siting process.
The commission agreed to put the amendment on the back burner and to consider narrower definitions, industrial-park designation options and coordination with the Board of County Commissioners before returning with a more developed proposal.
