Lincoln County commissioners vote to close data center zoning loophole amid debate
Lincoln County commissioners voted to amend the county zoning matrix, requiring data centers in industrial zones to obtain a conditional use permit. This change aims to close a perceived loophole, ensuring public hearings for future data center applications. The decision follows a previous rejection of a moratorium on data center applications.
The Lincoln County Board of Commissioners voted Monday to amend the county's zoning matrix, requiring any theoretical data center proposed for an industrial zone to obtain a conditional use permit. This change effectively closes a loophole that previously allowed data centers in industrial areas as a permitted use without requiring a public hearing.
Commissioner Chris Bruns stated that this amendment ensures a "rigorous process" involving multiple public hearings for any future data center applications, highlighting growing public engagement and scrutiny surrounding data center developments in the county.
This zoning amendment follows a split vote on July 13, where the board rejected a proposed moratorium on data center applications with a 3-2 vote. Commissioners were divided on the necessity of a moratorium, citing the absence of active applications and the county's existing regulatory authority, particularly concerning water and power grid protection.