Weld County Approves Data Center Ordinance Allowing Construction in Industrial Zones

The Weld County Commissioners voted 4-1 to approve a new data center ordinance, allowing data centers in I-1, I-2, and I-3 industrial zones through Use by Special Review or Site Plan Review, respectively. The ordinance explicitly prohibits data centers in agricultural zones. This decision came after a three-hour public comment session on April 6, where more than 25 residents largely voiced opposition, citing concerns about water usage, high electricity demands, noise pollution, potential impacts on property values and health, and drought concerns. Initially, the ordinance considered allowing data centers in agricultural zones. However, following a lunch break, the commissioners removed agricultural zones from the proposal. Commissioner Scott James was a vocal opponent of placing data centers in these areas, emphasizing the need to protect family farms and calling data centers an "incompatible land use" in agricultural districts. James was the sole commissioner to vote against the final ordinance and advocated for stronger mandates on cooling technology to reduce water consumption. Commissioner Kevin Ross acknowledged data centers as a "reality for Weld County" and stated the board aimed to address community concerns. He expressed disappointment that agricultural zones were excluded but hoped for future processes to rezone suitable areas to industrial for data center development. The approved ordinance includes guardrails such as a requirement to prove water compliance with state law, a "Will-serve" letter from the electric provider, and compliance with a 65-decibel noise limit at the property line. The ordinance applies only to unincorporated areas of Weld County. The consideration of this ordinance was prompted by Global AI eyeing an industrial-zoned property between Windsor and Greeley for a potential data center.