Data Centers and Detention Centers: Commissioners Declare Moratorium
Boulder County Commissioners unanimously passed a temporary moratorium for up to six months on planning applications for data centers and detention centers in unincorporated Boulder County. This action allows county staff to draft amendments to the Land Use Code to address potential impacts from such developments. A public hearing is scheduled for July 2 to gather community input on the moratorium and proposed code changes.
Boulder County Commissioners unanimously approved a temporary moratorium, lasting up to six months, on accepting planning applications for data centers and detention centers within unincorporated Boulder County. This decision, made at a June 2 Business Meeting, allows county staff to draft amendments to the Land Use Code, as these facilities are currently undefined in the code, posing a risk of approval despite potential negative impacts.
Commissioners Claire Levy, Marta Loachamin, and Ashley Stolzmann expressed concerns about the environmental and community impacts of data centers and detention centers, citing issues such as strain on natural resources, climate, transportation, roads, noise, electricity, water, and public safety.
A public hearing is scheduled for July 2 at 1:30 p.m. in Boulder, offering options for in-person, online, or phone participation to gather community input on the moratorium and proposed Land Use Code amendments. Written comments are also being accepted until June 30.