Humboldt County pauses new data centers, but leaves an exception
Humboldt County supervisors voted to temporarily halt most new data center applications in unincorporated areas while staff develop regulations. The moratorium includes an exception for facilities using less than 15 megawatts of entirely on-site renewable power and is expected to last about a year if extended.
The Humboldt County Board of Supervisors approved a temporary moratorium on most new data center applications in unincorporated areas while county staff develop rules governing the facilities. The initial moratorium lasts 45 days, with an extension needed to keep it in place for the anticipated year-long rulemaking process. Projects using less than 15 megawatts of power generated entirely on-site from renewable sources are exempt.
The action followed community concerns about data center development and questions about whether existing conditional-use permitting provides adequate oversight. Supervisor Michelle Bushnell questioned the need for a moratorium, while Board Chair Mike Wilson said the county was responding to strong public concerns. Humboldt County may coordinate with Eureka and Arcata, which are also considering data center regulations.