Linn County data center zoning ordinance heading to Linn County supervisors

Linn County is developing a new zoning ordinance to regulate large-scale data center development in the county's unincorporated areas. The proposed ordinance, which has been unanimously recommended by the Linn County Planning and Zoning Commission, would create a new exclusive-use zoning district (EU-3) for data centers with an electrical capacity over 20 megawatts or water usage over 50 gallons per minute. The ordinance aims to address infrastructure impacts, especially water usage, and would require data center developers to provide water studies, usage agreements, and community betterment funds. Some environmental advocates have expressed concerns about the ordinance's sufficiency in addressing water, energy, and air pollution issues. The ordinance will now proceed to the Linn County Board of Supervisors for consideration over three readings.