Data centers have become a significant topic of public interest and concern. While these facilities play a role in supporting many digital services, their impacts on land use, infrastructure, energy and water demand, and neighboring communities weigh heavily on the minds of many Snohomish County residents.
That is why I recently proposed a temporary moratorium on data centers in unincorporated Snohomish County. This proposal was unanimously adopted by the County Council on June 24, 2026. The purpose of the moratorium is to press “pause” so that our county has the ability to carefully deliberate on what a long-term data center policy should look like without having to worry about these facilities being sited before any regulations have been established. Several other local jurisdictions have adopted temporary moratoriums as well, including Skagit County and the City of Seattle.
Because the County Council only has land use jurisdiction over unincorporated Snohomish County, this moratorium and any subsequent policy will not impact cities. However, I am hopeful that the long-term policy will be considered for implementation by city governments as well.
The temporary moratorium on data centers in unincorporated Snohomish County lasts for a six-month period, with the option to extend for another six months if additional time is needed. During this period, the County Council will have time to evaluate the impacts of data centers, consider community input, and consult with stakeholders on permanent regulations. The moratorium protects communities from the potential unintended consequences of unregulated data center development.
Over the next six months, the County will work with interested community members, stakeholders, County staff, and the Planning Commission to develop sensible regulations. This process will help determine the most appropriate regulatory framework for data centers in unincorporated Snohomish County.
As we move forward, public input will drive much of this process. The decisions we make today will shape the future of our communities for decades to come. Your voice will help us better understand the local impacts and concerns associated with data center development. Whether you are concerned about resource demands such as energy and water consumption or the potential noise impacts that have been reported in other parts of the country, your feedback is essential.
The next step in this process will be the development of a draft proposal by the County Council, which will then be sent to the Planning Commission for further evaluation. To help inform our initial proposal, my office is leading an effort to gather community feedback. We have created a public survey that will help guide the discussion and development of our draft data center regulations. We hope to receive a significant number of responses so that the proposal reflects the priorities and concerns of our community.
If you would like to receive a link to the survey, please contact my office by emailing Nate.Nehring@snoco.org. Your feedback will help ensure that the County’s approach reflects the values and concerns of our communities.
This process is a great example of Snohomish County being proactive rather than reactive. By adopting a temporary moratorium on data centers, we can ensure that we are planning for the future we want, guided by community engagement and feedback. Over the coming months, I look forward to hearing from Snohomish County residents and working with my colleagues on the County Council to develop thoughtful policies that serve both our current and long-term needs.
Nate Nehring is an elected member of the Snohomish County Council. Nate and his wife, Savannah, are both lifelong residents of Snohomish County, where they are raising their four young children. Councilmember Nehring can be reached by email at Nate.Nehring@snoco.org.
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Author: Lynnwood Times Contributor
One Response
Interesting to see the pause on data centers. I wonder how that impacts local businesses in the area.