Larimer County extends temporary moratorium on data centers to Aug. 25, 2026 amid water, energy and public‑input concerns

The Larimer County Board of County Commissioners voted on Feb. 9 to extend a temporary countywide moratorium on data center facilities to Aug. 25, 2026. The extension was approved 3–0 to provide staff time to research code options, monitor state and federal activity, and design public outreach before the county considers zoning rules or permit standards specific to large‑scale data centers.

Planning manager (recorded in the hearing as Ginny Axmaker) told the board staff had observed an uptick in inquiries and that Larimer County’s land‑use code currently lacks definitions and standards tailored to data centers. "The moratorium was originally approved for 30 days on Jan. 27 ... and we're proposing to extend it until August 25," the planner said, explaining the six‑month pause would allow staff and a UC Denver capstone student to research impacts and potential code language.

Speakers at the public hearing urged a thorough, public process. Technical commenters said early project promises (renewable energy, minimal water use) can shift during design and construction. Joe O'Neil, a licensed professional engineer who spoke during the hearing, urged caution and said owner project requirements and initial design commitments frequently change during later design and construction stages, sometimes leading to higher water and energy use than initially presented.

Multiple speakers raised water‑supply and utility‑capacity concerns given ongoing drought and low snowpack; others questioned whether data centers deliver sustained local jobs compared with other types of development. Several speakers urged the county to pursue robust public engagement, including open houses and an online portal, and to coordinate with utilities and state agencies when evaluating any future permit framework.

County staff told commissioners they will use capstone research, consult the county’s Environmental Science Advisory Board and coordinate additional outreach. County Attorney's Office counsel explained the moratorium authority the board is using (the temporary regulations statute was cited in the hearing) is designed to buy time for staff and the board to draft and vet regulatory language rather than to be a permanent block.

Commissioners discussed next steps: staff will research best practices and likely propose code amendments, which will be subject to public hearing(s) before adoption. Commissioner Stevens moved to adopt the resolution to extend the temporary moratorium to Aug. 25, 2026; the motion carried 3–0.

Why this matters: Data centers can require substantial power and (in some cooling designs) significant water resources; counties across the U.S. are weighing whether and how to permit them. Larimer County’s pause is intended to let staff analyze technical impacts and draft rules that address local priorities—water, grid capacity, noise and local benefits—before new applications are considered.

Next steps: Staff will complete research (including the capstone project), coordinate with utilities and advisory boards, and design public engagement events (online portal and in‑person opportunities) before returning to the board with code amendment proposals for formal public hearings.