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The Data Center Divide

Washington County

Anti-Data Center Policies

Washington County labels its rule enacted, though its description says “if enacted”; it allows data centers up to 50 megawatts and imposes demanding water, energy, noise, certification, and reporting requirements.

current law · County measure
Correction: the data-center measure is Ordinance 2026-1321-O, not the 2025 ordinance named in this row.Washington County, Utah Code of Ordinances, Title 10 Zoning Regulations, §§ 10-11-1 through 10-11-5 (as amended by Ord. 2025-1292-O)

What this means

If enacted, the measure would allow some data centers but cap them at 50 megawatts; larger facilities would not be permitted. Operators would also face demanding requirements for water use, energy efficiency, noise control, certification, and public reporting, making development and operation substantially harder.

People behind it

  • Moved adoption of Ordinance 2026-1321-O

  • Seconded adoption; voted aye

  • County Commission chairman quoted about the adopted zoning restrictions

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  • Deputy County Attorney who presented Title 10 amendments

Restrictions & requirementsHide restrictions & requirements8
  • The use chart lists data, AI, and crypto centers as permitted in the Industrial zone; it sets a 10–50 MW capacity range and prohibits larger-capacity facilities. The definition applies county regulations to facilities using or seeking approval for at least 10 MW of capacity. Data-center capacity limits and allowed-use listing

  • Industrial-zone site rules require new lots to be at least 5 acres and cap lot size at 20 acres. They limit building height to 60 feet and lot coverage to 60%; setbacks include 200 feet, increasing for buildings over 30 feet, and a separate performance standard requires 300 feet from all property lines. Industrial uses are not permitted adjacent to residential, forest-residential, residential-agricultural, residential-estate, seasonal-forest-residential, open-space-conservation, or open-space-transition zones or properties. Industrial area and setback rules and 300-foot performance setback

  • A data-center zone-change application must include an initial performance-standards analysis showing the proposed operations meet or exceed the zone’s standards. The County may require review by outside experts it selects and hires, with the business paying the cost. Ongoing compliance must be demonstrated through installation, maintenance, operation, and reporting; the County may hire professionals to verify compliance, with those costs also paid by the business. Initial analysis and expert-review costs and ongoing compliance verification

  • A manufacturing or industrial zone change cannot be processed or granted without County-approved proof of required utilities. Applications for a zone change, use, building permit, or certificate of occupancy must also provide specified site, building, operational, waste-treatment, traffic, energy-use, utility, and staffing information and plans. Utility proof required for zone changes and application materials

  • Each data, AI, or crypto center must monitor and use noise attenuation tailored to its equipment’s dominant frequencies; use air cooling, ultra-low-water, closed-loop, or water-reuse systems; protect waterways and aquifers; maintain Alliance for Water Stewardship certification; and maintain a power-usage-effectiveness rating of 1.2 or less. Data-center operating requirements

  • Regardless of power source or generation method, each data center must keep daily power use at or below 50 MW and publish a yearly report on its website and in two local online newspapers accessible to the public. The report must provide monthly monitoring data, water and electricity use, and detailed information demonstrating compliance with the performance standards. Daily power-use limit and annual public reporting

  • Industrial-zone performance standards include a 70-decibel noise limit at the property line; limits on hazardous emissions, gases, odor, glare, and heat beyond the property line; a vibration limit of 0.003 inch displacement at the property line; sewage and waste requirements; and fire-safety rules restricting storage of flammable liquids, liquefied petroleum gas, and explosives. Industrial performance standards

  • Manufacturing and industrial uses must take access from a public street developed to full asphalt width and to at least commercial-roadway standards. Traffic is limited to 50 vehicle trips per acre per day. Road-access and traffic limits

Benefits & exceptionsHide benefits & exceptions1
  • The 10–50 MW data, AI, crypto center use is designated P in IND, providing an express permitted-use pathway subject to applicable standards; this is not unrestricted authorization.

Sources

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