Planning commissioners weigh questions about potential Tuolumne County data center rules
The Tuolumne County Planning Commission gathered public input on potential rules for future data centers, at the direction of the county Board of Supervisors. More than 60 residents attended, with many calling for a ban because of concerns about water and electricity use, noise, environmental effects and the county’s rural character.
The Tuolumne County Planning Commission held a public meeting in Sonora to discuss how the county might regulate future data centers. County staff said no ordinance has been drafted and that the meeting was intended to gather input as planners develop regulations requested by the Board of Supervisors. Commissioners discussed requiring non-administrative conditional-use permits and avoiding exemptions from the California Environmental Quality Act.
More than 60 residents attended, and several circulated petitions or urged the county to prohibit data centers. Speakers cited potential impacts on water supplies, electricity demand, noise, light pollution, public health and the county’s rural character. Commissioner Michael Morrow said no developer has submitted a proposal and questioned whether such a facility would be feasible in the county, while Commissioner Ron Kopf said additional information and standards based on facility size are needed before decisions can be made.