Spokane County weighs zoning rules over data center moratorium
Spokane County Commissioners are divided over how to address concerns regarding data center development. Democratic commissioners proposed a nine-month moratorium on new projects, while Republican commissioners favor developing a zoning ordinance to regulate large-load data centers by the end of August. The debate highlights concerns about electricity usage, noise, water, and potential economic impacts.
Divisions have emerged among Spokane County Commissioners in Washington State regarding how to manage the influx of data center developments. Following the Spokane City Council's approval of a one-year data center moratorium, Democratic Commissioners Chris Jordan and Amber Waldref proposed a nine-month moratorium for Spokane County.
This proposal faces immediate opposition from Republican Commissioners Al French, Josh Kerns, and Mary Brooks. Commissioner French announced plans to counter with a zoning ordinance proposal, aiming for a vote by the end of August. French argues that a moratorium would deter development and revenue, while the county already understands the impacts and necessary protections. The proposed zoning ordinance would define large-load data centers as those consuming 200 megawatts or more, restricting them to heavy industrial zones, and allowing smaller facilities in light industrial areas.
Commissioner Jordan, in support of the moratorium, highlighted that a potential 500 MW facility discussed by Avista Utilities could represent half of the county's current power load. His proposed moratorium would pause permit applications until the next state legislative session, directing county staff to develop rules for siting, defining, and permitting data centers, along with provisions for noise, water use, and ratepayer protections. This follows similar moratoriums passed by other Washington municipalities like Seattle and Snohomish County.
While expressing openness to a faster timeline, Jordan and Waldref maintain that a pause is necessary to prevent new projects under current, potentially inadequate, rules. French also suggested zoning rules could include setbacks from residential properties, noise limits, and developer-funded infrastructure expansion, leaving water regulation to the Washington State Department of Ecology. The board will consider both proposals after a two-week recess.