MISSOULA, Mont. - Interim zoning for data centers will be considered during an upcoming Missoula County commissioners meeting on July 9.
The interim zoning will put a temporary pause on the development or expansion of data centers while the County develops updated zoning regulations to mitigate potential impacts to health, safety and natural resources, according to Missoula County.
Residents can attend the meeting on July 9 at 2:00 pm at the Sophie Moiese Room of the Missoula County Courthouse, 200 W. Broadway. A virtual meeting will also be offered online through Missoula County’s website.
“Data centers are a significant new use with distinct potential adverse impacts, including substantial energy and water consumption and heat, noise and vibration that can affect their surrounding environment,” county commissioners said in a release.
The county currently has zoning regulations put in place against cryptocurrency mining operations, however, they say there are gaps in addressing modern data centers.
State law allows the county commissioners to put in the temporary zoning districts and regulations, however, they may only do so to address an emergency involving public health, safety, morals or general welfare.
Before the interim zoning can be put in place, the commissioners are required to hold a public hearing and allow the public to comment on the proposal.
If adopted, the County must do a study within 30 working days to verify an emergency exists and to figure out the next steps for officials to make to mitigate it.
The proposal will reportedly be recommended to not apply to a 7 MW data center in Bonner, since the developer has already started the application process.