Jefferson County considers special zoning for data centers, asks staff for 90-day proposal

An extended discussion about how to regulate data centers in unincorporated Jefferson County took place at the commission’s Dec. 4 meeting, with commissioners asking staff to return a proposal in roughly 90 days.

An unnamed commissioner said the county should create a distinct zoning classification for data centers rather than leaving them in the current industrial district. “We need to have a special zoning classification for them where the buffers will be in place and make sure that the high demand for utilities, what can be met, before we approve anything,” the commissioner said, urging a plan that balances developer expectations and community impacts.

Staff cautioned that impacts vary by facility. “From the things I’ve looked into and research I’ve done ... it really depends on the type of data center that’s going in,” a county staff speaker said, adding that some centers are more intensive than others for noise and utility use and that capacity depends on local utility providers.

Commissioners and other speakers raised concrete concerns about noise, the potential for higher residential utility bills and the county’s experience with tax abatements. One commissioner said they want to see revenue and abatement outcomes before committing to broad approvals, and urged the county’s economic development staff to create a standard abatement package so developers and the county understand expectations.

Staff suggested mitigation through stronger energy-efficiency standards for new construction and through coordination with power providers where appropriate. Commissioners asked that staff evaluate zoning buffers, utility capacity limits and possible grant or assistance options for residents who might face higher costs.

The commission directed staff (including Josh and economic development contacts) to prepare an ordinance or zoning proposal for commissioner review and public comment within roughly 90 days. The meeting recessed before any formal ordinance or motion on the data-center regulations was made.