Missoula County will consider temporary zoning for data centers, could pause developments
Missoula County is considering enacting interim zoning for data centers, which would temporarily pause new developments or expansions to allow for the creation of updated zoning regulations. These regulations would aim to mitigate potential impacts such as significant energy and water consumption, heat, noise, and vibration. An existing application from Krambu for an AI data center in Bonner would continue its review, but any future expansion or new data centers would be subject to the temporary pause.
Missoula County is poised to consider implementing interim zoning for data centers during a County Commission meeting on Thursday, July 9. The proposed measure would institute a temporary pause on the development or expansion of data centers within the county, allowing officials to formulate updated zoning regulations. The goal is to mitigate potential adverse impacts on health, safety, and natural resources.
The Missoula County Commission cited "significant new use with distinct potential adverse impacts, including substantial energy and water consumption and heat, noise and vibration" as reasons for the proposed pause. If enacted, the county would be required to conduct a study within 30 working days, with regulations enforceable for up to one year, extendable for an additional year.
An existing application for a seven-megawatt AI data center in the Bonner area by Idaho-based company Krambu, whose fifth application materials were deemed incomplete on June 12, 2026, would continue its current review process. However, any subsequent expansion of this or other new data centers would fall under the temporary pause, as confirmed by Svein Newman, Missoula County Climate Action Program Manager.