Commissioners weigh moratorium to buy time for data-center ordinance and public engagement

Commissioners told residents the county received extensive public input on proposed restrictions for data centers and that staff will propose revisions to a draft moratorium ordinance at an upcoming work session.

The chair said the moratorium functions as a temporary ordinance that gives the county time to work out a fuller land-use ordinance and public-engagement timeline with the joint planning commission. "The moratorium gives us that time on the ordinance to do that," the chair said, adding legal review is required because moratoria are legally sensitive and sometimes challenged in other counties.

County staff were directed to work with the joint planning commission, which includes municipal representatives and community members, to develop clear guardrails that balance community concerns and business needs. The chair emphasized the goal of being "business friendly" while spelling out limits and requirements data centers would have to meet if they locate in the county.

Commissioners said the ordinance will address siting, utility impacts and community protections and that additional public hearings will be scheduled as required by the planning process. If the moratorium is not ready for the June work session, the chair said the county may call a special meeting so the timeline for protections is not lost over the summer.

The board noted input came from both proponents and opponents and that legal staff provided examples of developments and challenges in other jurisdictions. Commissioners framed the approach as measured: set guardrails now, educate the board on industry needs, and design an ordinance that the community can support rather than imposing ad-hoc decisions if a permit arrives before rules are in place.