County Moves to Regulate Data Center Development
Latah County’s Planning Commission has advanced a draft ordinance aimed at regulating data center development on unincorporated county land, establishing strict limits on water use, noise, and setback distances from residential and agricultural areas.
The commission discussed the proposed rules during a Tuesday meeting, with a public hearing scheduled for September 1. The ordinance reflects growing concern about the environmental impact of large-scale data center operations in the region, particularly their potential strain on the Palouse Basin aquifer that supplies water to much of Latah County.
Groundwater Restrictions and Environmental Protections
The draft ordinance prohibits data centers from using groundwater for consumptive cooling operations—a key restriction designed to preserve local water resources. Groundwater would be permitted only for non-consumptive uses and essential functions such as domestic supply, sanitary systems, and fire suppression.
The rules require applicants to develop comprehensive water management plans that minimize impacts on the county’s water supply. Data centers would also need to submit annual reports documenting electrical consumption and maximum peak demand, along with electrical impact studies that include energy efficiency plans.
The groundwater restrictions align with recently enacted Idaho legislation that similarly limits data center water consumption. Phil Rheingans, a member of the Planning Commission, noted that the restrictions will likely prevent large data centers from locating in Latah County given the reliance on the Palouse Basin aquifer as the primary local water source.
Setback and Noise Requirements
The ordinance establishes buffer zones protecting nearby properties. Data centers would need to maintain a minimum setback of 500 feet from agricultural, rural residential, or suburban residential zones. A stricter 1,000-foot setback would apply to lawfully established existing residences not owned or controlled by the applicant.
Noise limits are set at a maximum of 45 decibels, comparable to normal conversation levels indoors. Applicants would be required to hire an acoustical engineer to submit a compliance plan demonstrating how the facility would meet the noise standard.
What Comes Next
The Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on the ordinance on September 1. County residents and property owners will have an opportunity to comment on the draft rules before the commission takes a final vote on the measure.
Tom Moore, also a commission member, underscored the rationale behind the regulations. “Our job is to protect what we have,” Moore told the Lewiston Tribune regarding the county’s natural resources and quality of life.
Michelle Fuson, Latah County director of planning, building and GIS, has overseen the ordinance development. The rules will apply only to data centers proposed on unincorporated county land; cities within Latah County would establish their own regulations if needed.
Data centers—facilities that house computer servers and equipment supporting artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and digital systems—have attracted growing interest from technology companies seeking locations with reliable power and water access. The Latah County ordinance reflects a cautious approach, balancing potential economic development with protection of the region’s agricultural heritage and groundwater resources.