Albany County planners begin exploring zoning, schedule joint work session on data centers

Planning staff told the Albany County alternate planning and zoning commission on July 8 that the county is researching how to address potential data‑center development and will hold a joint work session with the Board of County Commissioners and the city council in August to discuss options.

David told commissioners that large facilities are often reviewed through the state Industrial Siting Council under current statutes, which can limit the county’s direct regulatory authority. He said the county is exploring creating an industrial‑park zoning designation that would allow certain uses — including data centers — under county rules in a defined zone. "We're kind of looking going that route to look into industrial parks," David said, adding that staff will prepare a short briefing on what the county can and cannot regulate and what current county regulations already address.

Commissioners said they want to monitor developments in neighboring jurisdictions and track recent reports about a Cheyenne facility where the city stopped accepting wastewater from a data center operation; they also raised questions about water demand, wastewater impacts and community benefits agreements that communities have negotiated with large developers. One commissioner said communities should seek tangible community benefits and protections rather than "giving resources for free." The commission recommended staff present findings at the joint August work session so elected officials can consider potential regulatory responses.

Staff noted that, as of the meeting, there were no active data‑center proposals in Albany County; David said he and colleagues will continue to monitor developments and bring model regulatory ideas to the joint session.

The joint work session is expected in August; staff said they will circulate a date and materials as the item is developed.