Council launches code review on data centers after public opposition

After several members of the public urged action, Salt Lake County Council on Sept. 15 voted unanimously to begin amending county land-use code to address data centers, data-center power plants and related infrastructure in unincorporated areas.

In public comment, Luke Mains, a Midvale resident and District 3 candidate, told the council: “They don't want data centers built, taking up our water, drying up the Great Salt Lake, and ruining our air quality.” Leslie Warren, another commenter, urged cutting tax incentives for data centers and asked the council to follow the money and hold elected officials accountable.

The resolution—sponsored by a council member and described by a sponsor (Speaker 19) as a bipartisan, public process—will bring code changes through the planning commission and the county’s mountain planning commission and include public hearings. Staff and council emphasized the measure begins a process rather than imposing immediate bans; Councilmember (Speaker 1) reminded the public that the review focuses on unincorporated areas (largely canyon lands) and encouraged deliberative public engagement.

Council approved the initiation of the code-amendment process by unanimous vote. The council also urged residents to avoid social media misinformation and signaled a multi-step public review ahead.