Moffat County adopts resolution reviewing data centers
The Moffat County Planning and Zoning Commission in Colorado adopted a resolution to begin a research-based review of data centers and their relationship to existing county regulations and zoning rules. This action was taken despite overwhelming opposition from local residents concerned about water and electricity consumption, noise, and economic impacts, though no specific data center project has been proposed for the county. The review aims to prepare the county for potential future data center applications and may result in new regulations.
The Moffat County Planning and Zoning Commission has voted to initiate a comprehensive review of how data centers relate to the county's existing zoning regulations. Planning Director Candace Miller emphasized that this action, approving Resolution PC2026-01, does not approve or reject any specific project, change current zoning codes, or impose a moratorium, but rather begins a process to understand the industry and prepare the county for potential future applications.
The decision comes after an Aug. 5 meeting where local residents expressed overwhelming opposition to data center development in Moffat County, raising concerns about water consumption, particularly during drought conditions, strain on the regional electrical system, increased utility bills, noise, light pollution, and potential impacts on quality of life and agriculture. While some speakers advocated for an outright prohibition or moratorium, commission members and staff stressed the need for a thorough, fact-based review before making any recommendations.
Commission members Megan Cook, Kitsey Behrman, Rena Olsen, Shauana Merrill, and Ford Richmond approved the review, which will initially focus on defining and classifying different types of data centers based on size, energy demand, water use, and physical footprint. Later phases will examine broader environmental, economic, and community impacts, including noise, traffic, air quality, employment, and tax revenue. Any proposed changes to zoning would ultimately require approval from the Moffat County Board of County Commissioners after public hearings.
Moffat County Commissioner Melody Villard cautioned against dismissing all development based solely on initial public opposition, highlighting the county's need to replace jobs and property tax revenue. She stated that the county must remain