Weld County officials take residents’ input to refine land use for data centers

Weld County, Colorado, is actively addressing concerns from residents regarding the proliferation of data centers by refining its land-use code. Following two public meetings, Weld County staff are incorporating community feedback, which largely centered on opposition to data center development, particularly an AI data center proposed by GlobalAI between Windsor and Greeley. While the specific GlobalAI project was not the direct focus of these meetings, residents used the opportunity to voice broader concerns. Currently, Weld County lacks specific regulations for data center locations. County Commissioner Kevin Ross explained that the proposed code update, led by Deputy Director Maxwell Nader, aims to define data centers and establish specific zones where they can be considered. The initial proposal suggested allowing data centers in unincorporated industrial zones via administrative site plan review and in agricultural zones through a use-by-special-review process. However, Commissioners Scott James and Nader indicated they would consider adjusting the code to require the more rigorous use-by-special-review process, which mandates public hearings, for both zoning districts. A primary concern raised by residents was the significant water usage associated with large data centers. Commissioner James emphasized that Weld County, an arid region, would only consider data centers employing closed-loop cooling systems, rejecting high-water-usage evaporative cooling. Weld County Environmental Health Director Dan Joseph clarified that individual utility providers are responsible for water treatment and management, adhering to state regulations. Developers would need utility company approval to proceed, and the county retains the power to halt operations for violations. The final public hearing and reading of the proposed code change is scheduled for April 6th in Greeley, allowing further public comment.