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Lyon County Planning Commission forwards Monarch Data Center PUD to commissioners after 4-3 vote
Summary
The Planning Commission voted 4-3 on July 14, 2026 to forward a recommendation of approval for Copia Power Devco LLC’s Monarch Data Center Planned Unit Development (PLZ-2026-041), a 4.6-million-square-foot, 1,000‑megawatt project on about 505 acres. The motion includes staff language for roadway improvements on US‑95A.
The Lyon County Planning Commission on July 14 voted 4-3 to forward a recommendation of approval to the Board of County Commissioners for the Monarch Data Center Planned Unit Development (PLZ-2026-041), a proposed 4.6 million square‑foot, 1,000 megawatt data center on approximately 505.40 acres (APNs 014-201-07 and 014-201-30).
Senior Planner Louis Cariola told commissioners the application seeks a zone change to Planned Unit Development consistent with a Specific Plan the Board approved in December 2025. Cariola summarized findings staff believes the applicant met and noted this was the fourth public hearing on the project since July 2025. Staff also said it worked with NDOT and the applicant to require certain roadway improvements, including a passing lane, before building permits are issued.
Michael Paul, the Copia representative, described the site layout, access and entitlements and said water for the project would come from private existing water rights and “will not exceed that.” Paul added that Copia is not seeking tax abatements so "the funds would be available on the front end." Commissioners questioned noise sources, traffic, wastewater treatment and tribal consultation procedures during a presentation and follow-up discussion.
Commissioner Mark Jones moved to forward the recommendation with additional staff-recommended language related to roadway improvements on US Highway 95A; Commissioner Andrew Merritt seconded. The motion passed by majority vote: 4 Ayes, 3 Nays (Commissioners Michael Irvin, Audrey Allan and Wendy Loomis), 0 Abstentions.
The recommendation does not itself approve construction. The next step is a hearing before the Lyon County Board of County Commissioners, where the Board will consider the Planning Commission’s recommendation and the project’s entitlements. The Planning Commission and staff noted that certain mitigation measures may be addressed during the building-permit process and that some state and federal approvals remain outside county control.
