City of Missoula looking to amend zoning code to better define data centers
The City of Missoula is proposing an amendment to its zoning code to better define and manage data center growth, following a year-long moratorium enacted by Missoula County. A local AI company has raised concerns that the amendment could hinder local businesses and expansion. The city council is scheduled to vote on the amendment next Monday.
The City of Missoula is moving to amend its zoning code in response to growing discussions around data centers and following Missoula County's enactment of a year-long data center moratorium. Cassie Tripard, planning manager for the City of Missoula, stated that the current zoning definition for data centers, which focuses on equipment occupying the majority of floor area, is impractical for planners.
The proposed amendment aims to clarify the definition of a data center as a standalone building primarily for servers and telecommunications equipment, which is currently not explicitly allowed under the city’s code. While the amendment permits in-house server space within buildings primarily used for offices, it restricts standalone data centers to the Industrial 2 Zoning District, which currently has no land applied to it, necessitating a rezoning process through the city council for any future projects.
Joshua Rhines, founder and CEO of local AI company CubCloud AI, expressed concerns that the amendment, while potentially targeting large companies like Meta, could inadvertently hinder local AI and IT companies and their expansion plans within the city and county. The final vote on this zoning amendment is scheduled for next Monday, October 5, at the city council’s regular meeting.