Missoula County commissioners unanimously approved a temporary, countywide moratorium Thursday that pauses the development of new or expanded data centers while staff and officials review potential impacts and update local rules.
The interim zoning proposal, introduced by county staff, bars permits for new data centers or expansions for up to one year while the county conducts studies and considers regulatory changes meant to protect public health, safety and natural resources. The moratorium does not apply to the city of Missoula.
What changes for residents and developers
The moratorium applies across both zoned and unzoned areas of Missoula County, with the exception of the city of Missoula, where staff said the new city zoning map does not include districts that would allow data centers. County planning director Karen Hughes told commissioners the county’s existing regulations, adopted in 2021, are insufficient to address concerns now raised by potential uses.
- Duration: Up to one year while the county updates regulations and studies potential impacts.
- Scope: Countywide pause on new or expanded data centers outside the city limits.
- Exemptions: The city of Missoula is not covered by the county moratorium.
Why county officials acted
Commissioners and county staff cited worries about effects data centers could have on water quality and quantity, air quality, increased heat, noise and vibration, and other environmental and public-health considerations. The current rules, written after problems with a cryptocurrency mine at the Bonner Mill Industrial Park, limit such facilities to industrial zones and attach special conditions — including requirements for electronic waste recycling and assurances that new renewable energy would be used.
"I am very pleased that Missoula County today will be at the tip of the spear in the state of Montana and taking a deep breath to take a deliberative, methodical approach over the next year, or potentially more, to assess the impacts of data centers on our communities, on our citizenry and on our county," Commissioner Dave Strohmaier said before the vote.
The unanimous vote followed comments from about 30 members of the public, all supporting the moratorium; the meeting audience responded with loud applause.
Next steps and procedural timeline
Under the interim rules, the county must begin a study within 30 days to determine whether an emergency exists and to outline steps to mitigate potential harms. That work will inform any regulatory changes, which could include zoning adjustments, environmental safeguards, and standards addressing noise, heat and energy sourcing.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Moratorium length | Up to one year |
| Geographic scope | Missoula County (excludes city of Missoula) |
| Study requirement | Study to begin within 30 days |
County officials said the 2021 regulations were prompted by energy use and noise from a cryptocurrency mining operation that ran from 2017 to 2020. Those rules currently limit data centers to industrial zones and require special exemptions for sites adjacent to residential areas, among other conditions.
Planning director Karen Hughes told the county the existing framework does not fully address modern data center impacts on environmental and community systems. The moratorium is designed to give staff time to craft more comprehensive rules that address water and air impacts, heat generation, vibration, noise and other concerns without immediate development pressure.
Developers and residents should expect a public-review process as county planners draft proposed ordinance changes. Commissioners will ultimately consider any new rules before the moratorium lapses.
Reporting from county meetings and public comment informed this account. Additional updates will follow as Missoula County initiates the required study and brings proposed changes before the public and the commission.
