The planning commission has taken the next step in eliminating by-right data centers in Orange County.
Earlier this month, the commission voted to recommend approval of removing data centers as a by-right use in all zoning districts and adding language to the data center definition. The recommendation comes months after the supervisors approved a new technology zoning district. The district is intended to accommodate high-intensity technology-based uses including data centers, technology schools or colleges and technology research and development facilities. Four uses are also allowed by special use permit (SUP)–a data center, on-site power generation, a public utility facility not including utility-scale solar and a telecommunications tower.
The zone sets forth larger setbacks and buffers as well as height restrictions and sign regulations. It’s also a “floating zone” and isn’t dedicated to one particular area in the county, but rather is obtained through a rezoning. Rezoning applications offer opportunities for public feedback through public hearings and are evaluated by both the planning commission and the board of supervisors which ultimately decides the application’s fate.
While the zone was approved, existing language allowing data centers by-right in industrial zoned areas remained in the zoning ordinance. The planning commission’s recommendation, if approved by the board of supervisors, will remove that language.
Meanwhile, the recommended amended data center definition adds the stipulation that data centers are only permitted by SUP and only in the technology zone. It states that the principal use of the building has to be the data center and it can include various sources of primary and emergency power together with supporting mechanical, electrical and cooling infrastructure.
In a public hearing on the changes, Orange County resident Sarah Kloski said the county can’t be too careful or too thorough in its definition.
The supervisors will hold a public hearing on the matter April 14 at 5 p.m. at 11282 Government Center Drive, Orange.
