Park County proposes prohibiting data centers in most areas
Park County commissioners are proposing new development standards that would widely prohibit data centers, allowing them only in specific rural and industrial zones with special-use permits and public hearings. This decision is driven by overwhelming public opposition and concerns about power and water resources. Governor Mark Gordon, however, opposes a state-level moratorium, deferring such decisions to local communities.
Park County commissioners are considering new development standards that would largely restrict data centers, spurred by significant public opposition and uncertainties regarding the facilities' demands on local power and water infrastructure. Under the proposed regulations, "heavy-load electric users," including data centers, would require a special-use permit and public hearings to be built, with most residential and smaller commercial zones being entirely off-limits. Planning Director Joy Hill indicated that the current recommendation is for wider prohibition due to a lack of detailed information about data center resource needs and general public disfavor.
This local initiative comes amidst broader discussions in Wyoming; Governor Mark Gordon recently stated his opposition to a state-mandated moratorium on data center construction, asserting that such zoning decisions should be handled by local communities and counties. Meanwhile, the Cheyenne area in southeastern Wyoming has seen considerable data center development, fueling the statewide debate and local concerns like those now being addressed in Park County. The commissioners plan to finalize an adoption draft for public review.