La Conner Town Council approves temporary moratorium on data centers
The La Conner Town Council has approved a temporary six-month moratorium on data center permit applications to review land use regulations. This action follows Skagit County's similar moratorium and aims to assess the appropriateness and potential impacts of data centers, particularly their water usage, within the town limits.
The La Conner Town Council unanimously approved a temporary six-month moratorium on new data center permit applications within town limits. The decision, made on Tuesday, May 28, aims to allow town staff to review existing land use regulations and determine how to best address data center development, considering their potential impacts on the community and local resources.
Planning Director Ajah Eills stated that the moratorium provides an opportunity for the town to assess whether data centers are appropriate for La Conner and if more prohibitive measures are needed. She noted concerns about the impact on other communities and data centers' significant water requirements, especially given La Conner's proximity to a large water source.
This action follows a similar moratorium enacted by Skagit County on June 1 for unincorporated areas. The town's moratorium language mirrors that of the county's. Although La Conner has not yet received any data center permit applications, public calls for a moratorium were made at a previous council meeting. A public hearing on the moratorium is anticipated around August 25.