Lincoln County Commissioners Approve Data Center Regulations, Send Them Back for Further Review
The Lincoln County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved new regulations for data centers, immediately amending existing zoning rules to include stronger requirements. These regulations, developed after extensive public input on environmental, water, electricity, and noise concerns, will continue to be reviewed and potentially strengthened by the Planning and Zoning Commission.
The Lincoln County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved Resolution 2026-29, enacting new, stricter regulations for data centers in the county. These amendments to Section 8.22 of the county's Zoning Regulations establish stronger requirements for future projects and take effect immediately, despite being sent back to the Planning and Zoning Commission for ongoing review and potential further refinement. The decision followed a lengthy public hearing where residents expressed concerns about water usage, electricity demand, environmental impacts, noise, lighting, and backup power systems associated with large data centers.
Lincoln County Planning and Zoning Administrator Judy Clark, alongside Deputy County Attorney Tyler Volkmer, developed the regulations after months of research and meetings. While existing county regulations apply to data centers, Clark explained that the new Section 8.22 provides a more specific framework. Residents urged commissioners to incorporate additional measurable and enforceable protections, particularly regarding environmental and other studies, which Clark confirmed would be required and made public. Concerns were also raised about the "may" vs. "shall" phrasing in requirements for behind-the-meter electrical generation, water monitoring, and comprehensive evaluation of backup power systems.
Commissioners also approved Resolution 2026-28, which addresses ancillary data centers by permitting smaller, localized server operations (less than 10% of gross floor area or 2,500 square feet) alongside certain commercial and industrial uses in specified zoning districts. Although the new regulations mark the first major implementation of the county's updated data center framework, the board emphasized that they remain subject to continued review and possible changes, highlighting a commitment to evolving oversight.