North Dakota Counties Discuss Data Center Development and Zoning
Divide County, North Dakota, hosted an informational open house for residents and officials from six counties to discuss data center development. The county already has a zoning ordinance in place for data centers, which they are now reviewing for updates. Officials emphasized that resident approval would be paramount for any future data center projects.
Officials and residents from six northwest North Dakota counties, including Divide County, gathered at the Tioga Community Center on September 14 for a data center informational open house. Organized by State Sen. Mark Enget, the forum aimed to improve understanding of data centers, with representatives from electric utilities, state agencies, and county commissions on hand to answer questions about energy consumption, environmental impacts, and economic changes.
Divide County has been proactive, establishing a zoning ordinance for data centers last year, a measure initiated by county attorney Seymour Jordan. This ordinance includes specific requirements for decommissioning facilities to restore agricultural land, along with design, setback, water usage, noise, and security specifications. County Commissioners Isaac Jacobs and Chico Eriksmoen attended, acknowledging the county's early preparation but also expressing uncertainty about the overall benefits to the community.
Residents like Tia Johnson voiced a desire for more direct, open discussions but appreciated the opportunity to engage with officials. Divide County officials, including Commissioner Jacobs, stated that while no moratorium is currently in place, one could be enacted if a company proposed a project. They stressed that any data center development would require clear resident approval, drawing parallels to the complexities and mixed impacts of past oil booms.
Ellendale Mayor Don Flaherty shared a positive experience, noting a significant boost in sales tax revenue for his city after a data center was annexed. Following the open house, Divide County commissioners reviewed the information and decided to form a subcommittee to update existing county zoning ordinances, including the data center specific regulations, which other counties are reportedly using as a model.