Lincoln County closing zoning loophole for data centers

Lincoln County Commissioners have voted to amend the county's zoning rules to tighten oversight on future data center proposals. The amendment changes data centers in some industrial areas from a 'permitted use' to a 'conditional use,' meaning new projects will now require public hearings and come with added conditions.

This change impacts the county's land-use category 'matrix,' which outlines development types allowed in each zoning district, including agricultural, transitional, residential, commercial, and industrial areas. A planning staff member, referred to as Clark, stressed that this measure is crucial to protect the county and is the 'best course of action' while regulations are updated, likely permanently.

Clark clarified that the measure itself does not add new regulations on data centers but rather alters the process for their approval. She explained that previously, if a developer found an industrial district in the county, they could obtain a permit with no conditions beyond minimum building standards. Now, any data center application will go through a public hearing process, first before the County Planning Commission, then for final action by the County Commissioners. Governor Jim Pillen was also mentioned as signing an executive order today, though the specifics of that order were not detailed in relation to data centers.