The Sanpete County Planning Commission met on July 7, 2026, to discuss a proposed moratorium on data center development, according to meeting minutes published August 4.
During the meeting, the Commission voted to recommend that the Board of County Commissioners implement a moratorium on new data center applications at any time the Commissioners see fit. The discussion, introduced by Board Member Claudia Jarrett, cited concerns regarding power grid capacity, water usage, infrastructure strain, and the preservation of local agricultural land.
The Commission also addressed an amendment to Land Use Ordinance Section 14.94.040 to incorporate noise regulations within designated buffer zones. While the Commission discussed the timeline for a public hearing, no formal motion was made as the final ordinance document was not yet available for review.
Regarding agricultural infrastructure, the Commission reviewed a request for an overhead electrical power service connection along Sunflower Lane to power an irrigation pump. The Commission provided administrative counsel for staff to proceed with the request, provided the applicant submits a detailed map or one-line diagram from Rocky Mountain Power pinpointing the pole placement. The Commission also directed that an item be placed on a future public hearing agenda to consider amending the ordinance to require all new utility lines to be placed underground, removing the word development.
The Commission reviewed the Land Use matrix for various educational services. Charter schools were designated as Not Permitted in the RA-1 zone, Conditional in the RA-2 and Agriculture zones, and Permitted in Business Commercial and Public Facilities. Trade and vocational schools were designated as Permitted in Agriculture, Business Commercial, Industrial, and Public Facilities, but Not Permitted in RA-1 and RA-2 zones.
Additionally, the Commission discussed the draft solar energy ordinance, which will be addressed at a future work meeting to review definitions and matrix parameters. The Commission also decided to establish a standard ninety-minute format for work sessions preceding regular monthly meetings to address staff administrative overtime concerns.
