The Webster County Commission has approved a temporary 6-month moratorium on certain kinds of development in unincorporated parts of the county while county officials study their potential impact.
This moratorium applies to all future proposals, including battery energy storage facilities, solar energy systems, wind energy conversion systems, and… data centers.
In a statement from the commission, they said they do not plan the moratorium to halt the building of the data center near Rifle Range Road and acknowledged it’s legal authority over developments already underway is limited. They emphasized that the moratorium is not intended to expand government authority or pre-judge any particular project. The commissioners said this temporary pause will give the county time to gather information, seek legal guidance and hear from the residents as they review options that may be available in a county with no “Planning and Zoning Commission”.
Officials say they want to balance private property rights with concerns raised by residents such as noise, water use, infrastructure, emergency response and public safety.
The commission also emphasized that no long-term regulations have been adopted. All residents and property owners of Webster County are encouraged to attend county commission meetings and take part in the public process as discussions continue.
Official release from Webster County
(Image courtesy of Webster County)