Larimer County Commissioners poised to extend data center moratorium

Larimer County Commissioners are set to extend a moratorium on new data center project approvals within the county, following a request from county staff for more time to formulate appropriate policies. The extension, which will be officially voted on at a July 13 land use hearing, could last six months, though county staff member Scott Benton indicated it might be longer than necessary.

Since instituting the initial moratorium in January, the county conducted a public survey which revealed overwhelming opposition to data center construction, with 94% of respondents against it. Benton informed commissioners that the current Land Use Code lacks any specific language, definitions, or review standards for data centers, making it impossible for staff to properly evaluate any potential applications.

Further feedback will be gathered from the business community via a survey from the Larimer County Office of Economic and Workforce Development. Commissioners John Kefalas and Jody Shadduck-McNally raised concerns about the impacts of data centers. Commissioner Kefalas questioned potential electricity rate increases for residents and the feasibility of legally restricting data centers to renewable energy sources, which Community Development Director Rebecca Everette said staff would investigate. Commissioner Shadduck-McNally highlighted environmental concerns, including obstructed viewsheds and impacts on open spaces and wildlife.