Cochise County delays data center pause over state requirements
Cochise County Board of Supervisors has delayed a proposed moratorium on new data centers. State law requires specific procedures, including public notice and hearings, which have not yet been met. The county is currently focusing on revising its zoning rules for future data center proposals.
The Cochise County Board of Supervisors announced that a proposed moratorium on new data center developments will not be on next week's agenda. County officials cited state law, which mandates a stringent process for considering any moratorium. This process requires the county to issue public notice, prepare detailed findings, and conduct a public hearing.
County staff confirmed that these prerequisite conditions have not yet been fulfilled. Furthermore, there are currently no active applications for data centers pending before the county. Consequently, the county is prioritizing the development of updated zoning regulations to effectively address and manage future data center proposals.