BV Trustees to Discuss Drought Plan, Data Center Moratorium, and Hear STR Committee Overview
The Buena Vista Board of Trustees is set to discuss and potentially impose an emergency ordinance for a temporary moratorium on data center applications. This action is prompted by the town's lack of specific regulatory frameworks to address data centers' unique impacts, such as water and energy consumption. The moratorium aims to provide time to research and develop appropriate local code for data center uses.
The Buena Vista Board of Trustees is set to discuss and potentially enact a temporary moratorium on data center applications during its upcoming meeting. This emergency ordinance is being considered due to the town's current lack of specific regulatory frameworks to manage the unique operational characteristics and potential impacts of data centers. Planning Director Marika Kopp highlighted that the Unified Development Code does not define data centers as a distinct land use, which could lead to inadequate review under existing industrial or utility provisions.
The proposed moratorium aims to provide the town with essential time to conduct research on data center development trends and regulations in other communities. It also seeks to evaluate potential local impacts, engage with various stakeholders and the public, and ultimately develop specific code provisions tailored to data center uses. This proactive measure addresses concerns such as water consumption, energy demand, noise generation, visual impacts, and infrastructure needs associated with these facilities.
The discussion will be part of a broader agenda that also includes updates on the town's drought conditions and preparedness from Public Works Director Shawn Williams, an overview from the Short Term Rental Committee, and approvals for an HVAC proposal and a ground lease at the airport. The meeting will also cover general town business and a legal executive session for unrelated matters.