Coeur d'Alene City Council Halts New Data Center Approvals Pending Review
Coeur d'Alene city officials unanimously voted against approving new data center proposals until further analysis and policy review are conducted. The decision stems from concerns over potential impacts on local resources like the aquifer, as well as existing zoning challenges, with the City Council aiming to be careful about future development.
The Coeur d'Alene City Council has taken a decisive stance against rapid data center development within its city limits, unanimously passing an announcement to halt the approval of any new construction, development, or expansion proposals. Councilmember Dan English articulated the city's firm 'no' to data centers looking to build 'too big, too fast' until comprehensive analysis, study, and policy review are completed.
The council's decision is driven by concerns over potential impacts on the area's natural resources, particularly the aquifer, a sentiment echoed by Councilmember Christie Wood, who urged collaboration with neighboring governments like Kootenai County, Post Falls, Hayden, and Rathdrum to protect against adverse development. Community Planning Director Hilary Patterson also highlighted existing zoning codes, noting that data centers are considered 'extensive impact' projects, requiring special use permits primarily in manufacturing zones, with Mayor Dan Gookin stating the city 'really don't have a place to put one.'
Although there are currently no data centers in Coeur d'Alene, and the only confirmed development in the region is in nearby Spokane County, Washington, the city aims to be proactive. Despite the strong public opposition to quick approvals, the city noted that any future proposals will still undergo due process, indicating a careful rather than a complete closure of the door to data center development.