Background

Currently, the Larimer County Land Use Code does not contain any definitions or regulations about data center uses in unincorporated Larimer County. On January 27, 2026, the Board of County Commissioners adopted a resolution establishing a temporary moratorium on the acceptance and processing of land use applications for new Data Center Facilities within unincorporated Larimer County.

Following a public hearing on February 9, 2026, the Board of County Commissioners voted to extend the temporary moratorium on data center facilities until August 25, 2026. This pause will allow staff adequate time to develop land use regulations that address the specific impacts of these facilities.
 

Why is this necessary?

Data centers—often referred to as digital infrastructure or high-intensity computing facilities—can have significant impacts on local infrastructure and resources. Specifically, the County is reviewing:

• Water Consumption: The high cooling demands of industrial-scale computing.
• Power Usage: The significant electrical load required to operate these facilities.
• Possible Nuisances related to noise, aesthetics, heat effects, and others.
• Suitable zoning that would determine where data centers would be located.

This temporary moratorium allows the Community Development Department to research best practices and draft appropriate Land Use Code definitions and standards to ensure that any future development is compatible with the County’s infrastructure and resource goals.

Links

Temporary Moratorium - Resolution to Establish a Temporary Moratorium on Data Center Facilities in Larimer County, Colorado
Staff Report Extending the Moratorium - Land Use Hearing Agenda on February 9th, 2026
Current Land Use Code (does not contain draft definitions or standards) - Larimer County Land Use Code Effective December 8th, 2025

What does this mean for potential applicants?

During this period, Larimer County will not accept new land use applications for facilities that fit the description of large-scale digital data processing, networking equipment, or industrial-scale computing.

How can you get involved?

At this time, we are engaging in ongoing research to better inform the public and the Board of County Commissioners. Members of the public may submit comments or questions in this portal. Please note that in this phase, questions will not be answered by staff, and all comments will become part of the legal record. A survey will be made available to the public in the near future.
 
Please check back on this webpage for future events and opportunities to participate