Weld County extends timeline for proposed data center ordinance
Published on February 26, 2026
The Weld County Board of County Commissioners voted to continue the final reading of Code Ordinance 2026‑01, a proposed update to Chapter 23 (Zoning) of the Weld County Code related to data centers. While the Weld County Code addresses a variety of land uses in industrial zones — including outdoor storage, warehouses, and oil and gas support services — it does not currently define or regulate data centers.
The continued final reading, which allows additional time for further study, review, and public input, is scheduled for Monday, April 6 at 9 a.m. in the Centennial Hearing Room of the Weld County Administration Building, located at 1150 O St. in Greeley.
Over the past several weeks, residents have shared questions and concerns about potential impacts data centers may have on nearby areas, including noise, water usage, infrastructure demands, and compatibility with surrounding land uses.
One area of unincorporated Weld County, zoned industrial since 1976 and located near municipal boundaries, is currently being evaluated for a future data center. The board is responsible for guiding policy and development throughout unincorporated Weld County and must approach this discussion from a countywide perspective.
At the state level, Colorado has also begun examining data centers through recent legislation, including HB 26‑1030, which focuses on statewide standards and incentives.
The commissioners emphasized the importance of slowing the code‑update process to ensure a thoughtful and transparent approach, with the goal of establishing a well‑crafted ordinance from the beginning.
The proposed ordinance would define “data centers” and specify where they may be permitted in unincorporated Weld County. Under the proposal, data centers could be allowed in industrial zone districts through the administrative Site Plan Review process. In agricultural zone districts, a Use by Special Review permit is required, which includes final review by the board of commissioners, provided the property is not within a subdivision or historic townsite.
Find more information about this zoning code update.
To submit questions or comment, please fill out this form, or email askthecommissioners@weld.gov.