HomeMy WebLinkAbout09012026 CDS Staff Report Set PH for 09152026 (2)KITTITAS COUNTY
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT SERVICES
AGENDA ITEM STAFF REPORT
AGENDA DATE: September 1, 2026
ACTION REQUESTED: Request to Set a Public Hearing to consider extending the
Moratorium regarding Data Centers for an additional 6 months.
BACKGROUND: On August 10, 2026, the Board of County Commissioners of Kittitas
County adopted Resolution No. 2026-141 establishing an
emergency six-month moratorium on the acceptance, processing,
review, and approval of land use applications for the siting,
establishment, construction, expansion, conversion, or operation of
data centers within unincorporated Kittitas County, pursuant to
RCW 36.70A.390.
RCW 36.70A.390 further provides that a moratorium may be
renewed/extended for one or more six-month periods if a subsequent
public hearing is held and findings of fact are made prior to each
renewal.
Data centers remain a rapidly evolving land use involving large-
scale buildings, high electrical demand, backup power systems,
mechanical cooling systems, water or wastewater considerations,
noise -producing equipment, exterior lighting, traffic and
construction impacts, emergency response considerations, and
potential impacts to public infrastructure and neighboring land uses.
Kittitas County's existing land use, zoning, development,
environmental, building, infrastructure, and permitting regulations
do not adequately define, classify, review, condition, or mitigate
data center development or data center -related facilities
RECOMMENDATION: Set a Public Hearing for September 15, 2026, at 2:00 pm to Consider
extending the Moratorium an additional 6 months.
ATTACHMENTS: None
LEAD STAFF: Chad Bala, Director
8127/26, 8:54 AM
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Public Notice
Kittitas County, Ellensburg WA
The Board of Kittitas County Commissioners will meet at 2:00 pm on September 15, 2026 at the Commissioners'
Auditorium, 205 West 5th Avenue, Room 109, Kittitas County Courthouse, Ellensburg, WA to consider extending the
moratorium regarding Data Centers for an additional 6 months.
Clerk of the Board
Publish:
Daily Record: 9/3/2026;9/10/2026
North Kittitas County Tribune: 9/3/2026
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8/27/26, 8:55 AM www-text (4).html
For more information, contact Community Development Services
Anyone with an interest in this matter is urged to attend said hearing where all testimony will be taken. Written
comments may be received at 205 W 5th Ave. STE 108, Ellensburg, WA 98926 at or prior to the hearing.
Kittitas County complies with all ADA requirements.
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