Feedback Needed For Draft Larimer County Data Center Regulations
Larimer County is seeking public feedback on draft land-use regulations for future data centers in unincorporated areas. The proposal would cap facility power use at 30 megawatts, require at least 80% renewable electricity, prohibit evaporative cooling and hyperscale facilities, and impose air-quality and noise requirements.
Larimer County has released draft Land Use Code regulations for data centers in unincorporated parts of the county and is accepting public comments. The proposed rules would limit facilities to industrial zones, cap power use at 30 megawatts, require 80% renewable power, prohibit evaporative cooling and hyperscale data centers, and require air-quality mitigation plans and pre- and post-construction noise studies.
The county currently has a data center moratorium in place through February 2027, although no applications have been submitted. County staff began developing permanent regulations in January 2026 after the Board of County Commissioners and Planning Commission reviewed community concerns about water use, electricity demand and air quality. Commissioner Kristen Stephens said residents will have additional opportunities to comment before work sessions and public hearings on the draft rules.