Tehama County planning panel advances stricter rules for data centers
The Tehama County Planning Commission advanced rules requiring data centers in industrial zones to obtain conditional use permits, adding county review where projects are currently allowed by right. The proposal, which includes an exemption for the zoning change itself from state environmental review, must receive final approval from the Tehama County Board of Supervisors.
The Tehama County Planning Commission voted to advance stricter oversight of data center development, including a requirement that projects in industrial zones secure conditional use permits. County officials said they want rules in place before any applications are submitted; no data center applications have been received so far.
The commission also recommended exempting the zoning amendment from state environmental review, while planning staff clarified that future projects could still require project-specific environmental analysis. A resident raised concerns about potential impacts on Tehama County’s agricultural land and natural beauty. The proposal now goes to the Tehama County Board of Supervisors for a final vote.