Osage County schedules July public hearing after Planning Commission votes to seek data‑center ban

Trisha Webb told the Osage County Commission that the Planning Commission voted five to zero on May 27 to request an amendment to the county zoning regulations to prohibit development of data centers in unincorporated Osage County.

Webb said the planning panel’s rationale is that data‑center technology and business models change quickly, and drafting regulations now risks producing obsolete rules. The Planning Commission instead requests a public hearing so the community can provide input before the board decides whether to adopt a prohibition or pursue different regulations.

The board approved scheduling a public hearing on July 29, 2026, and directed staff to publish notice in the newspaper at least twice before the hearing to meet legal-notice expectations. Webb said the planning commission will submit formal findings and recommendations after the public hearings conclude.

Commission discussion focused on ensuring adequate notice and allowing community input; no substantive land‑use decision was made at the June 2 meeting beyond scheduling the hearing.