Washington County delays data center resolution again as commissioners weigh restrictions

Washington County commissioners remain divided over a proposed resolution addressing large-scale standalone data centers in unincorporated areas. Commissioner Nafisa Fai proposed a county workgroup, reviews of environmental and public-health impacts, limits on county transactions and nondisclosure agreements, and a de facto moratorium while the county evaluates potential policies.

Commissioners Jason Snider, Pam Treece and acting Chair Jerry Willey disagreed over the scope and timing of the changes. County counsel warned that some restrictions could conflict with state requirements or interfere with routine county operations, leading commissioners to delay formal consideration. The resolution could return for discussion Oct. 27, Nov. 3 or Nov. 10.

County staff said no large-scale standalone data centers exist or have pending applications in unincorporated Washington County, and that existing land-use and infrastructure conditions make future development unlikely. Hillsboro and Forest Grove have separately adopted 120-day moratoriums, while Hillsboro also approved the first phase of permanent data center regulations.