Data Centers Eye Linn County Near Walford, Fairfax
Unincorporated land between Walford and Fairfax in Linn County is attracting data center developers because of a nearby high-voltage transmission line. Walford, Fairfax and Linn County are considering an agreement to coordinate zoning, annexation and project review, while the county has paused new unincorporated data center zoning applications to study water impacts and develop regulations.
Data center developers are exploring unincorporated Linn County near Walford and Fairfax, drawn in part by a high-voltage transmission line. A prospective developer approached Walford about a project near the city but declined to seek annexation, leaving the proposal under county jurisdiction. Walford has asked Linn County to establish a two-mile fringe-area agreement governing review authority, annexation procedures and zoning coordination, and Fairfax is considering whether to participate.
Linn County has adopted rules for unincorporated data centers covering setbacks, noise, traffic, emergency planning and site review, with large projects also subject to water studies and water-use agreements. The county has placed a moratorium on new unincorporated data center zoning applications through either the end of 2027 or Jan. 1, 2028, depending on the source, while it conducts a comprehensive water study and considers potential state legislation. County officials are also forming a regional advisory board. The article cites Google's proposed six-building campus near Palo as an example of the development and jurisdictional issues facing the region.