Commission holds first reading of updated telecommunications and data‑center rules; public hearing set for June 11

The commission heard a first reading of proposed revisions to local ordinances addressing telecommunications and related topics, including tighter regulation of server farms and data-mining operations. The meeting presenter explained the process—first reading, public hearing, revisions, and second reading—and stressed that changes in the packet are draft wording (proposed changes shown in red) and that public input is welcome via email or at the scheduled hearing on June 11 at 5 p.m.

During questions and discussion, staff outlined stricter siting and operational limits aimed at discouraging large crypto-mining or server-farm developments. Proposed measures discussed included minimum distances from residential property (the presenter cited a 0.5-mile separation example), sound/decibel limits measured from property lines, and other constraints meant to make large server facilities prohibitively expensive or difficult to develop. The presenter said changes were intended to tighten existing rules and avoid litigation problems other counties had faced when attempting outright bans.

The item was introduced as a first reading with an explicit invitation for written and oral comment prior to the June 11 public hearing. The presenter said a second reading would follow the hearing and that the final ordinance would then be published in the municipal code if adopted.