Latah County passes new rules for data centers
Latah County Commissioners have approved a new ordinance for data centers, establishing restrictions on groundwater use, noise, and electricity consumption. These proactive regulations make data centers a conditionally permitted use in industrial zones. The move comes as the county prepares for potential future data center developments, despite no projects being proposed yet.
The Latah County Commissioners in Idaho have enacted new regulations concerning data centers, particularly those proposed for county land outside incorporated cities. The ordinance, approved on Tuesday, makes data centers a conditionally permitted use within industrial zoning designations.
Key restrictions include a prohibition on the consumptive use of groundwater for routine cooling, requiring data centers to provide a water management plan detailing minimization of local water supply impacts, and limitations on noise emissions. Additionally, data centers must submit an annual report detailing electrical consumption, maximum peak demand, and any significant modifications to their electrical systems. These measures align with recently passed Idaho legislation regarding data center groundwater limits.
While no data centers have been proposed in Latah County yet, the county aims to proactively prepare for the growth of the artificial intelligence industry. During a public hearing on September 1, community members advocated for a moratorium or ban on data centers. However, Commissioner Tony Johnson stated that a moratorium was not sensible given the absence of any proposed projects, viewing the new regulations as a preparatory measure.
Michelle Fuson, Latah County director of planning, building and GIS, noted the unlikelihood of a data center being built on county land but affirmed the county's ability to modify rules as needed. The ordinance was accepted without further public hearing and will be published on the Latah County Planning and Building webpage.