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Albany planners put proposed data‑center zoning changes on hold while staff explores options
Summary
Commissioners heard a briefing on zoning amendments related to information technology facilities and agreed to pause formal action; staff noted very large projects (around $290M+) would be preempted by the state's industrial siting process while smaller projects might be regulated locally through industrial parks or specific standards.
Planning staff briefed the commission on a proposed zoning amendment for "information technology facilities" intended to address data centers. Staff recommended pausing the amendment because very large facilities (those with estimated construction costs above the state threshold) would be preempted by the Industrial Siting Council; staff suggested the county could instead refine local tools such as designated industrial parks or conditional use paths for smaller facilities.
As staff explained, "anything that's over $290,000,000 in construction costs right now, it's preempted, by the state, industrial siting council." Commissioners discussed whether to pursue definitions, thresholds and whether an industrial‑park approach would allow more meaningful local review of projects that fall below the state threshold. The commission asked staff to hold the amendment while staff develops options for later consideration by the board.
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