The Box Elder County Commission voted Wednesday to adopt Ordinance No. 654, which establishes a temporary 180-day land use regulation for data centers, data center power plants, and associated digital infrastructure in unincorporated Box Elder County.
New 180-Day Data Center Regulation
The ordinance temporarily suspends the processing and acceptance of new applications for these development uses while county officials evaluate and draft potential updates to the Box Elder County Land Use Management & Development Code.
Purpose of the Temporary Review
County leaders stated that the temporary regulation is intended to provide time to study and consider regulations specifically designed for data centers, power plants, and associated infrastructure. The review process may include looking into development standards, zoning classifications, infrastructure considerations, and overlay districts.
Officials clarified that the ordinance does not permanently prohibit data centers but establishes a planning period for research, analysis, policy development, and public participation before long-term decisions are made.
Exemption for Stratos Project Area
The temporary regulation will not affect the Stratos Project because that project is located within an area governed by the Military Installation Development Authority (MIDA). Ordinance No. 654 applies only to areas where Box Elder County maintains land-use authority and does not impact future land use decisions made within the MIDA project area.
Future Code Amendment Process
Over the next 180 days, county staff and elected officials will evaluate potential amendments to the land use code. Any proposed changes will undergo the public process, including consideration by the County Commission, public hearings, and Planning Commission review.
Public Feedback and Participation Opportunities
County officials noted that residents shared various perspectives during the Wednesday meeting. Community members are encouraged to provide feedback through the county information portal at boxeldercountyut.gov/stratosproject or by attending future meetings.
