Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Zoning topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Planning commission recommends denying emergency code change that would require special permits for data centers
Summary
The Campbell County Planning Commission voted to recommend denying PL-25-00, the emergency code change that would have moved data centers from heavy industrial (by-right) to special-use permitting, while asking staff to draft ordinance language with safeguards for future board consideration.
The Campbell County Planning Commission recommended denying PL-25-00, an emergency code update that would have reclassified data centers from a by-right use in the heavy industrial zoning district to a use requiring a special-use permit.
The chair moved to recommend denial and asked staff to prepare ordinance language addressing community concerns; a commissioner seconded the motion. The vocal vote recorded multiple "ayes" but the transcript does not include a full, named roll-call tally. Planning staff had told commissioners the board passed an emergency ordinance after an advertising issue and would consider the matter at its Jan. 6 hearing.
Commissioners said data centers belong in heavy industrial zones but debated how to ensure protections for nearby residents, including potential environmental reviews and site-specific standards. One commissioner said he was "a little hesitant to just completely remove it" from heavy industrial, while others urged safeguards such as environmental impact reviews and distance from residential areas.
Staff indicated it could draft guidance or ordinance language within about 60 days; commissioners asked that any future ordinance include consistent criteria so all applicants are treated the same. The commission's recommendation will go to the Board of Supervisors for final action; staff and the board will hold additional hearings if they move forward with code changes.
