Jeffco Commissioners issue 10-month moratorium on data centers
Jefferson County Commissioners have approved a 10-month moratorium on new applications for data center rezoning or development, citing concerns over substantial electricity and water usage. This pause will allow county staff to evaluate the potential impacts on local resources, the Wildland Urban Interface, and utility costs, while considering economic benefits.
Jefferson County Commissioners voted on May 19 to approve a 10-month moratorium on new applications for the rezoning or development of data center facilities. This decision by the "Jeffco" Commissioners aims to provide time for county staff to evaluate the potential impacts of data centers on local resources and develop thoughtful county policies.
The moratorium was enacted due to concerns over data centers' substantial electricity and water consumption, which officials fear could strain local resources, increase utility costs for residents, and impact the Wildland Urban Interface (WUI), an area prone to fire risks. Commissioners Rachel Zenzinger, Lesley Dahlkemper, and Andy Kerr all expressed support for the moratorium, emphasizing the need to be responsible caretakers of the county's natural resources and to weigh environmental concerns against potential economic benefits.
While the moratorium restricts new applications, it excludes land already zoned for data centers through a Planned Development, provided the proposed facility is at least 1,500 feet from any dwelling. A county spokesperson noted that there are currently no data centers in Jefferson County and only one out of several thousand Planned Development districts allows for data centers among other uses. The action follows a similar move by Denver City Council, which passed a resolution banning new data center construction for a year starting in May.