Missoula Co. Commissioners to discuss interim zoning to pause data center development
Missoula County Commissioners are considering interim zoning to implement a temporary pause on data center development and expansion. This measure aims to address potential impacts like significant energy and water consumption, heat, noise, and vibration while the county develops updated regulations. A public hearing is scheduled for July 9 to discuss the proposal.
Missoula County Commissioners are set to discuss interim zoning regulations on July 9 that would impose a temporary moratorium on the development or expansion of data centers. The county aims to create new zoning regulations to mitigate potential adverse impacts, including substantial energy and water consumption, heat, noise, and vibration, which could affect the surrounding environment.
The proposed interim zoning is authorized under state law for emergencies involving public health, safety, morals, or general welfare. Before adoption, commissioners must hold a public hearing to allow community input on the proposal. If enacted, the county would be required to conduct a study within 30 working days to verify an existing emergency and determine further mitigation steps.
The interim zoning is reportedly not intended to apply to a 7 MW data center already in the application process in Bonner. The move comes as Missoula County acknowledges gaps in its current zoning regulations, which primarily target cryptocurrency mining operations, in addressing modern data centers.