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.
Churchill County
Slightly Pro-Data Center Policies
Nevada offers approved data centers potentially large, long-term tax breaks, but projects must meet investment, hiring, wage, and other commitments, and may have to repay benefits for noncompliance. Some applicants also face added tax, water, electricity, and community-impact conditions.
Rating and summary from Nevada statewide as there are no scored current or future laws outside temporary restrictions for Churchill County.
current law · Unincorporated areasEstablishes three industrial zoning districts—I-1 for commercial and light industrial uses, I-2 for medium industrial uses, and I-3 for heavy industrial uses—by adopting Bill 2025-A, Ordinance 32 on September 17, 2025.Churchill County Ordinance 32 (2025)
People behind it
- Churchill County Planning and Public Works Department
Initiated and administered the zoning changes, including preparing the ordinance and coordinating public workshops.
- Churchill County Planning Commission
Approved the ordinance and forwarded it to the County Commission for consideration.
- Churchill County Commission
Conducted the ordinance’s readings and unanimously adopted Bill 2025-A, Ordinance 32.
Restrictions & requirementsHide restrictions & requirements1
Bill 2026-C, Ordinance 32 would add new permit requirements and development standards for industrial projects that include data storage and data processing facilities. The Planning Commission tabled the measure until its December 9, 2026 hearing.
Benefits & exceptionsHide benefits & exceptions4
The measure replaces the single industrial zoning designation with I-1 for commercial and light-industrial uses, I-2 for medium-industrial uses, and I-3 for heavy-industrial uses, allowing data-center projects to be evaluated under more specifically defined industrial categories. The I-1 Zoning District is intended for commercial and light industrial uses
The measure establishes a Conditional Zoning Permit, creating an additional approval pathway for qualifying industrial projects. establishing a Conditional Zoning Permit
The measure creates separate minor- and major-generator classifications and sets a specific pathway for solar-powered major power generation: a Special Use Permit in I-1 and I-2 districts and a Conditional Zoning Permit in I-3 districts. This can support development of dedicated or co-located power facilities for energy-intensive data centers, subject to the applicable permit. solar-powered major power generation will be a Special Use Permit in I-1 and I-2 zoning, and a Conditional Zoning Permit in the I-3 zones
The measure streamlines the zoning-review process, which may reduce procedural burdens for industrial development applications. streamlining the zoning review
Sources
Data provided by Regbase · Cookie preferences · Report missing data