County weighs new data center regulations
Spokane County is developing zoning rules for large data centers and is considering extending a temporary pause on accepting new applications until June 2027. Residents will discuss the proposed ordinance at a public meeting, with concerns including water availability, groundwater contamination, electricity demand, noise and environmental impacts.
Spokane County plans to hold a public meeting in Airway Heights on a proposed zoning ordinance governing where large data centers could be built and what requirements developers would need to meet before receiving permits. County Planning Director Scott Chesney will explain the proposal and public review process; no formal data center applications have been submitted.
County officials are also considering extending a temporary pause on new data center applications through June 2027. A technical review of public comments found concerns about water availability, PFAS-contaminated groundwater near the West Plains, electricity demand, noise and environmental effects. Possible requirements for water studies, groundwater monitoring and private-well protections remain under consideration.