Data Center Inquiries Prompt County to Update Land Use Code
Data Center Inquiries Prompt County to Update Land Use Code
Publish Date: 2026-03-24 17:50:00
Source Domain: www.govtech.com
- Emerging Interest in Data Centers: Several companies are considering building data centers in Weld County due to its vast farmland and potential to diversify the local economy.
- Concerns Over Resources: Data centers face criticism for high electric power and water usage, sparking concerns about their impact on rates and supplies, especially in drought-stricken areas.
- Proposed Land-Use Code Amendments: Weld County plans to update its land-use code to regulate future data centers, requiring proof of secured power and water supplies.
- Economic Opportunities vs. Environmental Impact: Commissioners see data centers as an economic opportunity and potential source of property tax revenue, but are cautious about their resource implications.
- Localized Regulation Efforts: Weld County joins other Colorado regions, like Larimer and Denver, in considering moratoriums and regulations to manage data center expansions responsibly.
- Advancements in Cooling Technology: Commissioner Kevin Ross highlights new water-saving technologies that could mitigate some concerns, like “closed-loop” systems and self-contained cooling.
- Potential Projects: Global AI has purchased land near Windsor, planning to convert an existing building into a data center, though no formal application has been made yet.
- Infrastructure Considerations: Utilities and water providers stress the need for growth to pay for infrastructure, maintaining reasonable rates and ensuring grid capacity.
