The NoCo Herald

Larimer and Weld counties, Colorado

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Staff directed to propose data-center moratorium

·Fort Collins·Larimer County

From the Fort Collins City Council meeting of

Resolution 2026-117 took effect Oct. 6, 2026, and directs staff to present a proposed six-month moratorium to council on Oct. 20. The proposal would cover data centers used as a primary use and accessory data centers with proposed peak electrical demand above 10 megawatts; until it takes effect, staff are directed not to accept development or other permit applications for covered centers. Council could revise the proposal, including its demand threshold or other coverage criteria, and the resolution says the moratorium, if adopted, is intended to apply retroactively from Oct. 6. The resolution says the pause would allow further research and development of regulations; Fort Collins’ Land Use Code does not allow data centers as a primary use and contains no data-center regulations. Staff said 10 megawatts was a starting point because Platte River Power Authority identifies that level as a large-load customer threshold. A council member said they could not support the proposal as written, were concerned 10 megawatts could be too low and include accessory projects, and might support a 25-megawatt threshold. A council member supported bringing forward a moratorium, citing a lack of guardrails and a need for time to address data centers, and favored a more conservative threshold.

Motion carried, 5-1.

More from this meeting

  1. Fort Collins City Council, Oct. 6, 2026

    City approves rebates for Avago’s $1.5 billion project, 6-0; Staff directed to propose data-center moratorium, 5-1; 9 consent items adopted, 6-0; 5 consent items passed on first reading, 6-0.