Okanogan County Weighs Where Data Centers, Crypto Mines Can Go — And Where They Can’t
Okanogan County in Washington is considering a zoning change, Code Amendment 2026-3, that would restrict data centers and cryptocurrency mining operations. The proposal aims to confine these facilities to industrially zoned land within unincorporated areas of the county. If enacted, data centers would be prohibited in all other zoning districts.
Okanogan County, Washington, is currently evaluating a significant zoning amendment, identified as Code Amendment 2026-3, which aims to regulate the placement of data centers, cryptocurrency mining operations, and server farms within its jurisdiction.
The proposed change specifically targets the county's definitions and District Use Chart, seeking to limit these types of operations exclusively to industrially zoned (IN) land in unincorporated parts of the county.
Under this amendment, all other zoning districts within Okanogan County would prohibit the development or operation of data centers and related facilities. This move signals a deliberate effort by the county to manage the growth and impact of such energy-intensive operations by confining them to designated industrial areas.