With eyes on Legislature, city adopts new data center definition
The Missoula City Council adopted a new data center definition to close a loophole that could have allowed certain facilities to proceed without a public hearing. The change effectively prevents traditional third-party data centers from being approved under the current rules while the city considers broader regulations and awaits state action.
The Missoula City Council approved an ordinance change redefining data centers based on their actual use rather than the percentage of floor space devoted to computers and servers. City officials said the revision closes a loophole that could have allowed a traditional data center to be developed broadly across the city without a public hearing.
The action comes as Missoula County studies data center impacts after adopting a temporary moratorium in July. Residents and council member Kristen Jordan urged the city to impose a similar ban, but staff and City Attorney Ryan Sudbury said withdrawing the amendment could instead preserve the old loophole. Future rules may address electrical demand, cooling needs and other environmental impacts, while the city watches for potential action by the 2027 Montana Legislature.