Jackson County to review draft ordinance on high-density computing facilities in joint work session

Zoning staff told the board the county is working on a draft ordinance for "high-density computing facilities" (HDCF), a term intended to cover large data centers and similar intensive computing operations. The draft flags potential impacts including electricity demand, water use, noise and land-use compatibility and the zoning commission asked the board to attend a joint work session to review the language and give direction.

"The biggest item I wanted to bring to your attention is the high density computing facilities ordinance draft or HDCF," zoning staff said, noting the commission has spent significant time on the document and would like the board to review it jointly. Staff said it will send the current draft to the county attorney for preliminary legal review so the joint work session can focus on substantive questions rather than unresolved legal language.

Supervisors raised practical concerns about utility capacity and local water supply. One supervisor asked whether the draft contains language to preserve a reserve of grid capacity so that new large users do not crowd out farms, homes and small businesses; zoning staff said the office can look at a buffer and suggested a load-confirmation letter could help provide assurances from the electrical provider. The board and zoning staff confirmed a joint meeting for June 15 at 7 p.m. and requested the attorney's office review the draft in advance.

Why this matters: the draft would give the county a formal regulatory approach for data centers and similarly intensive facilities. Supervisors emphasized they want to avoid unintended consequences for agriculture, well water users and future local development while the county considers potential infrastructure and legal limits.