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Larimer County data-center moratorium: where it applies
Residents can see which new land-use applications for large-scale computing facilities in unincorporated areas are paused, when the moratorium is scheduled to end, and what resource and infrastructure issues the county is reviewing.
Larimer County has a temporary moratorium on data-center facilities in unincorporated areas. The Board of County Commissioners adopted it Jan. 27.
Here's which applications it covers, when it is scheduled to end, what infrastructure and resource issues are named in the county's data-center planning and how you can find future chances to weigh in.
Which data-center facilities does Larimer County's moratorium cover?
It pauses acceptance and processing of new land-use applications in unincorporated Larimer County for facilities that fit the description of large-scale digital data processing, networking equipment or industrial-scale computing. Larimer County zoning applies only outside incorporated cities and towns. The county's page says data centers are often referred to as digital infrastructure or high-intensity computing facilities.
When is Larimer County's data-center moratorium scheduled to end?
Larimer County's moratorium is scheduled to end Feb. 25, 2027. After a public hearing Feb. 9, the Board of County Commissioners voted to extend it until Aug. 25. On July 13, the board further extended it to Feb. 25, 2027.
What impacts is Larimer County considering as it develops data-center rules?
Larimer County's page says data centers can have significant impacts on local infrastructure and resources. The county's undated page lists these as issues it is reviewing:
- Water consumption and high cooling demands of industrial-scale computing.
- Power usage and the electrical load required to operate facilities.
- Possible nuisances, including noise, aesthetics and heat effects.
- Suitable zoning.
Larimer County says the moratorium will allow its Community Development Department time to research best practices and draft Land Use Code definitions and standards. The definitions and standards would address facility impacts and aim to make future development compatible with county infrastructure and resource goals.
Have any site-specific data-center applications been submitted to Larimer County?
No site-specific data-center applications had been submitted at the time the county's page was written.
How can residents weigh in on Larimer County's data-center rules?
The county's undated PublicInput page invites you to submit comments or questions through the portal. It says that, in the phase it describes, staff would not answer questions and all comments would become part of the legal record.
The survey remained open until June 12. The page directs you to submit additional information below the survey notice.
The county's page directs you to check back on the webpage for future events and opportunities to participate.