Tooele County Planning Commission votes to table draft of data center ordinance
The Tooele County Planning Commission unanimously tabled a draft ordinance establishing rules for data centers after more than four hours of discussion and public comments. Residents and the TooeleCARES group opposed the draft, submitting a letter with more than 900 signatures and calling for additional expert review and community input.
The Tooele County Planning Commission in Utah unanimously tabled Chapter 34, a proposed section of the county’s land-use code governing data center facilities. The decision followed more than four hours of discussion and public comments, including concerns from commissioners and residents about the draft’s provisions and the potential effects of data centers. The county has not previously had a dedicated land-use code for data centers and says it is developing the rules proactively.
Opposition intensified during the meeting, with members of TooeleCARES presenting a letter signed by more than 900 people. The group welcomed the decision and said further work should focus on residents rather than developers. Assistant County Manager Brittany Lopez said the county would continue its public process, while Vice Chair Toni Scott said the ordinance should remain tabled until commissioners can better define data centers and address unresolved questions. The next commission meeting is scheduled for Oct. 28.