County weighs micro data‑centers, water and power thresholds in ordinance discussion

Kootenai County staff opened a discussion on May 14 about whether to revise the county’s data‑center ordinance to allow administrative approval for small, so‑called "micro" data centers while keeping conditional‑use permitting for larger facilities.

Arthur Lenny, the county manager presenting the item, said staff sought direction on whether to exempt smaller operations from a conditional‑use permit or to keep the CUP requirement and allow flexibility for smaller facilities. "We were seeking ... some direction ... whether or not there should be some exclusion in this ordinance or some flexibility for certain size of data centers," Lenny said.

Commissioners and members of the public debated how to define "micro" (server count, square footage, or other measurable thresholds) and how to craft defensible standards should the county be challenged in court. Concerns focused on water consumption, aquifer impacts and the county’s capacity to monitor and justify restrictions. One speaker noted Kootenai County has many small facilities and suggested defining micro centers by server count or building size; others said the county must identify measurable thresholds (water or power use or a percentage of local supply) to withstand legal review.

Speakers also discussed contamination risk and the need to treat data‑center review consistently with other industrial uses that affect groundwater or hazardous‑materials handling. Commissioners directed staff to return with clearer, measurable standards and data to support any proposed thresholds rather than adopting arbitrary limits.

No formal action was taken; staff will refine proposals for future consideration.