Humboldt County supervisors paused most new data center applications in 4-1 vote
The Humboldt County Board of Supervisors voted 4-1 to impose a 45-day moratorium on most new data center permit applications in unincorporated areas. The pause will give county planners time to develop permanent rules addressing data center size, power and water use, renewable energy, and environmental impacts, while exempting smaller facilities that meet strict energy and water standards.
The Humboldt County Board of Supervisors approved a 45-day moratorium on most new data center building and discretionary permit applications in unincorporated areas. The 4-1 vote, with Supervisor Mike Bohn opposed, gives county planners time to develop a permanent data center ordinance because the existing zoning code does not specifically address the facilities.
Supervisors debated whether the moratorium was necessary, with Second District Supervisor Michelle Bushnell arguing that the county’s existing conditional-use permitting process already provides public review. The board also discussed potential requirements for electricity and water use, renewable energy generation, facility size, environmental impacts and closed-loop cooling systems.
The adopted measure exempts facilities of 15 megawatts or less if they generate all required renewable energy onsite and use a closed-loop water system. County staff expect to complete permanent rules within a year, while any extension of the moratorium beyond its initial term would require further board action.