The Data Center Divide
A policy snapshot ahead of the 2026 midterms. Mapping data center incentives, restrictions, and bans through legislation, regulations, and executive actions across all 50 states and 1,462 local jurisdictions.
Cascade County
Neutral Data Center Policies
Cascade County allows data centers to seek approval across zoning districts, but each project still needs Zoning Board of Adjustment approval and may face conditions.
current law · Unincorporated areasRequires data centers to obtain a county use permit, with approval subject to a public hearing and review of safety, neighborhood impacts, and compatibility.Cascade County Zoning Regulations
What this means
The amendment would make data centers an eligible use across zoning districts, creating a clear route for projects that otherwise might not be allowed (Data Center added as an Unclassified Use Permit). But each project would still need approval from the Zoning Board of Adjustment and could face conditions, so the benefit is modest (permit review standards).
People behind it
- Cascade County Board of County Commissioners
Initiated the proposed zoning map correction and text amendment and requested review of the changes. The item was initiated by the Board.
- Cascade County Planning Department
Reviewed the proposed changes and prepared the staff report for the Commission. The department reviewed the proposal.
Restrictions & requirementsHide restrictions & requirements9
A data center requires an Unclassified Use Permit (UUP), approved by the Zoning Board of Adjustment, and a separate UUP is required for each tract. Data Center is a listed UUP use.
The UUP requires a public hearing. Notice must be published twice, with at least six days between publications, and the property owner, agent, and adjacent landowners must receive certified-mail notice. Public hearing and notice requirements.
The Board may approve a UUP only if it finds the proposal meets the listed public-health and safety, neighboring-property, area-harmony, and Growth Policy standards; it may impose conditions. Standards applicable to unclassified uses.
The UUP section excludes any use that utilizes coal, coke, or other coal-based fuel as an industrial fuel source. Coal-based fuel exclusion.
A UUP expires if construction or the use has not started within one year of approval; the Zoning Administrator may grant one six-month extension. It also expires if the use ceases for six months. UUP expiration limits.
Data center operations may not be more objectionable to nearby properties than a permitted use because of noise, fumes, vibrations, or flashing lights. Operating limits for UUPs.
A data center also requires a Location/Conformance Permit and site plan unless an exemption applies; the approved site plan is binding. Permit applications carry fees set by the County fee schedule. Location/Conformance Permit requirement and permit fees.
UUPs remain subject to the development standards of the underlying zone. For example, the Open Space zone limits impervious surface to five percent of the space; the Agricultural zone generally requires a minimum 40-acre tract and 200-foot width. Underlying-zone standards apply, Open Space coverage limit, and Agricultural zone dimensions.
No UUP may be issued for a site with an existing zoning or other regulatory violation, or delinquent county taxes. Existing-violation restriction.
Benefits & exceptionsHide benefits & exceptions1
The measure changes 14 specified NorthWestern Energy parcels from Open Space to Agricultural zoning. The staff report says Agricultural zoning allows major utility installations and certain power-generation facilities that Open Space zoning does not, and can make existing uses conforming. The change does not itself approve a data center, which still requires an Unclassified Use Permit; conservation easements on many parcels also continue to restrict development. rezone fourteen (14) tracts from OS to Ag
Sources
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