The Box Elder County Commission is set to vote on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, regarding a temporary 180-day land use regulation. The proposed ordinance aims to immediately suspend the acceptance and processing of new development applications for data center power plants and data centers within the unincorporated regions of the county.
If passed, the county will not accept new zone changes, land use applications, building permits, or business licenses for data centers, their supporting digital infrastructure, or associated power plants for the 180-day duration of the ordinance.
The proposed six-month pause is intended to provide time for the county to research and implement land-use regulations specifically designed to address the infrastructure requirements and impacts associated with these technology projects. Officials noted that the current Land Use Management & Development Code lacks specific categories, overlay zones, or objective standards to adequately regulate data centers or their supporting power infrastructure.
Recent developments involving the Stratos Project, a proposed hyperscale data center campus involving the Military Installation Development Authority (MIDA) and O’Leary Digital, helped identify gaps in the existing code. However, the Stratos Project is exempt from this proposed moratorium because MIDA projects do not use standard local land use approval processes. On May 4, 2026, the County Commission passed Resolution 26-11, transferring exclusive land-use jurisdiction to MIDA for that project area for the next 50 years.
During the moratorium, Box Elder County officials will determine if and where future developments would be permitted. This includes exploring new zoning classifications or overlay zoning districts to ensure projects align with the County's General Plan, protect local resources, mitigate noise, and preserve rural character.
If Ordinance 654 is adopted on June 10, it will take effect immediately. The county must adopt a new ordinance outlining changes to the land use code within 180 days, or the moratorium will be automatically lifted under Utah law. Following the review period, a public hearing will be held during a Planning Commission meeting to gather public input before recommendations are sent back to the County Commission.
