Trialsdale planners flag water impacts of data centers and agree to pursue local rules; staff reports steady multifamily permit activity

Members of the Trialsdale County Planning Commission spent the latter portion of Monday’s meeting discussing the possible local impacts of data centers and the need for coordinated utility and land‑use policy.

Commissioners said they want to examine how other jurisdictions regulate data centers — citing concerns about heavy water use, on‑site cooling systems, lighting, noise from mechanical equipment, and local electric‑rate consequences — and asked staff to prepare ordinance language to be reviewed at next month’s meeting. Planning staff said training and an ordinance review will be placed on the next agenda so commissioners can consider approaches used elsewhere.

"Data centers use a tremendous amount of water," one commissioner said, adding that the county should get ahead of proposals rather than react to them. Staff noted news reports of data‑center proposals in nearby cities and warned that companies may seek smaller communities if larger jurisdictions impose limits.

Staff also updated the commission on a state data‑collection request for residential unit counts. Amanda and Amber compiled building‑permit totals used by the state data center for sales and gas‑tax calculations: 2019 — 99 units; 2020 — 95 units; 2021 — 139 units; 2022 — 139 units; 2023 — 130 units; 2024 — 133 units. Staff said the state counts mobile homes at permit issuance and asked commissioners to expect an annual report going forward.

Commissioners said any local approach to data centers will need to coordinate closely with utility districts (water and sewer), the county’s road/traffic authorities and environmental reviewers; staff recommended inviting subject‑matter experts to training and considering feasibility letters early in the review process for large or high‑water‑use developments.

What’s next: Staff will prepare training and draft ordinance language on data centers for the next meeting and continue annual reporting of residential building units to the state.