Park County commissioners are proposing new regulations that would prohibit data centers in most parts of the county while allowing them only in certain rural and industrial zones through a special-use permit process.
According to WyoFile and the Powell Tribune, the proposal is part of the county’s ongoing update to its development standards and regulations. If adopted, data centers would not be permitted in residential or most commercial zoning districts. Instead, developers could seek approval in General Rural 20-acre and 35-acre zones and industrial areas through a public hearing and special-use permit process.
Planning Director Joy Hill told commissioners the recommendation is based largely on public input and uncertainty surrounding the potential impacts of data centers, including their power and water demands. County officials also noted Park County currently lacks the infrastructure typically needed to support large-scale data center developments.
Commissioners stopped short of supporting a complete ban, citing concerns that an outright prohibition could expose the county to legal challenges. Instead, the proposed regulations would allow applications in limited areas while giving the public and county commissioners the opportunity to review each proposal on a case-by-case basis.
The discussion comes as data centers have become a growing topic across Wyoming. While large facilities continue to be developed in southeastern Wyoming, Gov. Mark Gordon has said decisions about whether to allow data centers should be made by local governments rather than through a statewide moratorium.
The proposed regulations will be included in a draft of Park County’s updated development standards before moving forward through the county’s public review and adoption process.