Fernley, Nevada Development News

Fernley Planning Commission Discusses Data Center Zoning Regulations, Addressing Water Use, Environmental Concerns, and Economic Impact

The Planning Commission reviewed and discussed two proposed zoning code amendments regulating data centers. The amendments are in a preliminary draft stage, with the goal of gathering input before advancing to the City Council. Key discussion points included the process for approving data center applications (either through industrial zones with a conditional use permit and development agreement, or via a data center overlay district), additional submittal requirements for applications (e.g., grading plans, water studies, power supply verification, noise studies, emergency response plans), and potential development agreement provisions (e.g., road damage mitigation, noise monitoring, water supply review, power supply cost absorption, decommissioning procedures). Development standards were also discussed, including setbacks, buffering, screening, building height, noise dampening equipment, and underground power lines. Notification procedures were increased to a thousand-foot radius, and a provision for developers to hold a public meeting before the Planning Commission meeting was added. Commissioners raised concerns and offered suggestions regarding water usage (favoring closed-loop systems), economic benefits, environmental impacts (PFAS chemicals, air pollution, toxic fumes), noise, backup power, power supply costs, decommissioning, and the need for transparency and accountability. The commission also discussed the interaction of these proposed codes with existing development agreements, such as the one for the Victory Project, which is grandfathered and not affected by the new regulations.