Airway Heights, Wash. – On Monday evening, a full house gathered at the West Plains Water Coalition’s venue to hear Spokane County Planning Director Scott Chesney outline a proposed zoning ordinance aimed at controlling future data‑center development. The meeting, part of the county’s ongoing effort to lift a temporary pause on new projects, gave residents a chance to ask questions and share their perspectives.
County officials set parameters for hyperscale facilities
Chesney explained that any hyperscale data center – facilities that consume massive amounts of power – should be confined to heavy‑industrial zoning districts. He warned that developers are eyeing “large‑load” hyperscale sites that could use more than fifty times the energy of a light‑load data center. No formal applications have been submitted yet, but the planning department wants clear rules in place before projects move forward.
Community concerns focus on water and electricity
Many attendees expressed apprehension about the potential strain on local water supplies and the electric grid once the pause ends. “We only have the extension until June, and it was because of really the public outcry,” said Steve Allen, a resident who emphasized that the issue transcends politics and affects every household.
Debate over realistic limits
While a sizable portion of the crowd opposed any new data‑center construction, other participants argued that a blanket ban would be unrealistic. They suggested that carefully planned projects could proceed without harming the community, provided the county enforces strict zoning and environmental safeguards.
Next steps for the zoning process
The draft ordinance remains under review, and Spokane County invites continued public input as the proposals evolve. Residents can submit comments through the county’s website or attend future meetings hosted by the West Plains Water Coalition. The planning department plans to finalize the zoning language later this year, aiming to balance economic development with the region’s water and energy resources.
Why this matters for Airway Heights
Airway Heights sits near the Spokane County industrial corridor, making it a likely candidate for future data‑center sites if the ordinance permits. The outcome of this zoning debate will shape the city’s growth trajectory, impact local utility rates, and influence the quality of life for families who call the area home.
For more details on Spokane County’s zoning process, visit the county’s planning department website.
Original reporting: KHQ Spokane (news) — read the source article.
