Cryptocurrency mining operations, server farms, and data centers are allowed only in zoning districts where the district use chart permits them; they must also comply with the County’s potable-water-availability requirements.

A business license is required for cryptocurrency mining operations, server farms, and data centers, although the license is processed administratively without public notice.

Cargo containers, railroad cars, semitrailer trailers, and similar containers may be used for components of the operation only in industrial zones, and the unit must be new, pre-engineered, and certified by the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries.

Before a business license is approved, the applicant must obtain written verification from the local electrical utility that adequate capacity exists, the utility infrastructure can safely accommodate the use, and the operation will not cause electrical interference or line-voltage fluctuations.

Before cryptocurrency mining, server-farm, or data-center operations begin, the applicant must provide the County and local utility with a Washington State Department of Labor and Industries electrical permit and written verification that the electrical work passed final inspection.

The operation and ancillary cooling equipment must be designed, built, operated, and maintained to fit the surrounding character and must not cause dust, smoke, glare, heat, vibration, or noise beyond the property line or affect adjacent buildings beyond applicable limits.

No more than 20 percent of a building facade may be exposed with operating apparatus such as vents, fans, or HVAC equipment.

Activities producing air emissions, noise, exhaust, heat, or humidity must be conducted so those effects are not perceptible at or beyond the property line.

The operation may not create electric or magnetic fields that adversely affect public health, safety, or welfare, including interference with equipment, instruments, or off-site radio, telephone, or television reception.

Noise from the operation may not exceed the maximum permissible levels established by Washington Administrative Code 173-60-040, subject to the listed exemptions in WAC 173-60-050.

The code expressly recognizes server farms and data centers as a permitted regulatory category when allowed by the district use chart, giving them a defined pathway for approval rather than leaving them entirely unclassified. server farms, and/or data centers

A business license for cryptocurrency mining operations, server farms, and data centers is processed administratively without public notice, which can simplify and shorten the licensing process. processed as an administrative approval without public notice.

In industrial zones, data-center operations may use cargo containers, railroad cars, semi-truck trailers, or similar containers for operational components, provided each unit is new, pre-engineered, and certified by the Washington Department of Labor and Industries. only allowed in the industrial zones.

If a proposed data-center use is not specifically listed, the administrator may classify it as permitted, accessory, or conditional when it is consistent with the district's purpose, compatible with listed uses, and no more intense than a similar listed use. Criteria for Unclassified Uses.

A lawfully established data-center use that later becomes inconsistent with the zoning code may continue as a legal pre-existing use, so long as it remains lawful; the protection is lost if the use is discontinued for three consecutive years. such use may be continued.

A lawfully existing data-center structure that no longer conforms to the code may continue; it may be altered if the alteration does not make it more nonconforming, and if destroyed it may be replaced or repaired along its existing foundation lines within three years. may be enlarged or altered.