Larimer County drafts strict data center policy, soliciting public feedback
Larimer County has released a draft policy that would ban hyperscale data centers and evaporative cooling in unincorporated areas, while imposing renewable-energy, noise, and air-quality requirements on smaller facilities. The county is soliciting public feedback while its data center moratorium remains in effect through February, with hearings scheduled before the policy is finalized.
Larimer County, Colorado, has released a draft policy governing data center development in unincorporated parts of the county and is seeking public input. The proposal would prohibit hyperscale facilities and evaporative cooling, require noise and air-quality studies, and mandate that facilities use at least 80% renewable energy. The county said the rules were developed as an alternative to a complete ban after reviewing public feedback and the potential role of smaller data centers in supporting emergency dispatch, utilities, telecommunications, law enforcement and telehealth.
County commissioners approved a data center moratorium in January and extended it in June; it will remain in effect until February. No data center permit applications have been filed, but officials want regulations in place if development proposals emerge. Commissioner Kristen Stephens urged residents to comment through the county's engagement portal, with additional opportunities at a Planning Commission hearing on Dec. 16 and a Board of County Commissioners land-use hearing on Jan. 11.