Data centers present unique land-use, resource, and infrastructure considerations. The temporary moratorium gives our Planning & Development staff the necessary time to thoroughly study key community concerns—including water consumption, energy grid impact, noise levels, and zoning suitability—so they can draft a clear, protective, and comprehensive ordinance tailored specifically to Bannock County’s long-term interests.

Taking a deliberate, proactive pause ensures we get the regulations right before any commercial applications are considered.

No. Local government authority is defined by strict legal boundaries.

• County Jurisdiction: This moratorium applies only to unincorporated land within Bannock County jurisdiction.
• City Jurisdiction: It does not apply within incorporated city limits, such as the City of Pocatello, nor does it impact municipal planning decisions, conditional use permit (CUP) proceedings, or appeal processes within city jurisdiction.

County staff are currently finalizing a comprehensive, multi-year rewrite of the Land Use and Development Ordinance (LUDO), which governs broader zoning, open space, and general development rules across the county.

Because data center regulations were not included in the original scope of the LUDO rewrite, the Board of Commissioners decided to address data centers separately through this 180-day moratorium. This approach allows staff to finish the LUDO project without delaying its upcoming public hearings while dedicating focused time to drafting a standalone data center ordinance.

Yes. In 2023, Bannock County enacted a similar temporary moratorium regarding solar and wind energy projects while planners researched and drafted specific regulations. Additionally, in 2016, Bannock County enacted a moratorium for Confined Animal Feed Operations (CAFOs). That process allowed the County to establish clear, community-focused land-use standards.

Planning staff will research best practices and gather technical data to establish clear standards addressing key resident concerns, including:

• Water Usage & Conservation: Protecting local aquifers and groundwater resources.
• Energy Infrastructure & Utility Costs: Ensuring local utility ratepayers are protected from cost spikes or power grid strain.
• Environmental & Community Impact: Setting firm limits on noise, light pollution, and environmental footprint.
• Zoning & Site Selection: Defining appropriate locations and setbacks to protect rural quality of life and property values.

Public participation is a vital part of transparent government. The drafting process is currently in its initial research phase. To ensure a well-rounded and collaborative approach, Bannock County is forming an ad hoc committee that will include representatives from local cities, the energy sector, and applicable agencies.

Once a draft ordinance is prepared by staff and reviewed with committee input, there will be announced public hearings where all residents can share comments directly with the Planning & Zoning Commission and the Board of Commissioners.

To ensure you receive direct, timely information without having to hunt for it, the Public Information Office has established a dedicated email notification list.

• Sign Up for Email Updates: You can subscribe directly on this page. Subscribers will receive email notifications whenever timeline updates, draft ordinance releases, or public input opportunities are announced.
• Bookmark This Page: Official announcements and project milestones will always be posted here at bannockcounty.gov/datacenter.