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Colfax County introduces animal-control ordinance and a temporary data-center moratorium
Summary
The commission introduced a replacement animal-control ordinance and a moratorium on data-center development in unincorporated areas to allow time for drafting permanent rules; officials emphasized the moratorium is temporary and intended for education and careful rulemaking.
The Colfax County Commission introduced two ordinances for public notice: a replacement animal-control ordinance and a temporary moratorium on data-center development in unincorporated county areas.
Commissioners said they supported the animal-control ordinance as a starting point but asked for an added reference to the Game and Fish Department on harassment of wildlife and to call out harassment of livestock as a separate item. One commissioner said the county should ensure those violating the ordinance are the ones who bear the cost.
A separate introduction established a moratorium on data centers in the unincorporated county so staff and the public can study, educate, and draft long-term rules. A commissioner who requested the moratorium said it "buys us some time so that we can get that ordinance right and develop something that is... for generations to come." Commissioners stressed the moratorium is not a permanent ban and can be repealed once a robust ordinance is drafted.
County counsel set a schedule for publication and hearings: the ordinances will be published in advance of an August 11 hearing, with final action planned for August 25; the introduction of personnel policies will be coordinated with the same schedule.
Next steps: staff will prepare notices for publication, circulate draft ordinance language, and convene a public hearing on Aug. 11.
