Feedback needed for draft Larimer County data center regulations
Draft Land Use Code regulations that set clear, enforceable boundaries on any future data center developments in unincorporated Larimer County are now available for review and public comment.
The draft proposes a cap on power use, prohibits evaporative cooling, and keeps hyperscale data facilities out of unincorporated Larimer County. Supported by staff analysis and research, the draft responds to community feedback about water use, power demand, air quality, and other issues.
A data center moratorium in unincorporated Larimer County is currently in place until February, 2027. Although Larimer County has not received any data center applications, work began in January 2026 to develop specific regulations in anticipation of any future data center applications.
Residents are invited to review the proposed regulations and share constructive feedback about key issues of concern. Input and feedback from the public are critical to helping address and reflect additional concerns to amend the Larimer County Land Use Code for upcoming work sessions with the Planning Commission and Board of Larimer County Commissioners. Public hearings will follow the work sessions.
Key provisions of the draft
- Proposed power use per facility is capped at 30 megawatts, effectively prohibiting hyperscale data centers.
- Facilities must use at least 80% renewable power sources to operate.
- Evaporative cooling is not allowed.
- Data centers would be allowed only in Industrial Heavy and Industrial Light zones in unincorporated Larimer County.
- Developers must submit an air quality mitigation plan to show how they would address any potential negative effects on air quality.
- Developers must have pre- and post-construction noise studies by professional sound engineers and comply with the noise limits set by the county.
- The county can revisit the code if new information becomes available that shows impacts the code does not adequately address.
The Board of County Commissioners and Planning Commission directed staff to write a strict code rather than to pursue a ban after reviewing public feedback, hearing analysis and research from staff, surveying local businesses, and learning about critical services provided by some smaller data centers.
This approach allows the county to address and regulate key areas of concern, prohibit hyperscale facilities, and still consider smaller-scale facilities that may provide support services like emergency dispatch, electrical grid operations, internet infrastructure, law enforcement networks, telehealth, and more.
“There are still opportunities to engage with this process, and we want to hear from you,” said Commissioner Kristen Stephens at a work session with Community Planning, Infrastructure, and Resources. “If you have questions or concerns about anything included in this draft, please reach out to us. We are happy to have those conversations.”
Larimer County does not own, regulate, or have any authority over water or power utilities. The county cannot set utility rates. The county has, however, applied creative requirements to minimize potential impacts. Additionally, Larimer County Land Use Code applies only to unincorporated Larimer County. Cities and towns such as Fort Collins, Loveland, Wellington, and Estes Park establish their own land use rules.
Read the draft data center regulations. Review plain language summaries of the draft regulations, frequently asked questions, and submit comments and feedback via Larimer County’s Engage Portal.
