Littleton Weighs 6-Month Data Center Freeze as Colorado Cities Rush to Fill Regulatory Void
Updated
Updated · Hoodline · Oct 21
Littleton Weighs 6-Month Data Center Freeze as Colorado Cities Rush to Fill Regulatory Void
3 articles · Updated · Hoodline · Oct 21
Summary
Tuesday's first reading would pause new data center applications in Littleton for six months while staff studies water, energy, noise, air-quality and infrastructure impacts and drafts rules now missing from the land-use code.
Littleton currently allows data centers in some districts without defining them as a distinct use, and officials say that gap could let facilities incompatible with nearby homes or comprehensive-plan goals move ahead unchecked.
A public hearing and second reading are set for Nov. 3, with supporters arguing data centers bring jobs, investment and tax revenue even as residents and officials focus on utility demand and neighborhood effects.
Colorado cities are increasingly acting on their own after lawmakers killed 2 major statewide data center bills in May; Denver, Broomfield, Larimer, Mesa County and Brighton have all adopted temporary pauses or restrictions.