Data Center Decommissioning

Overview

As part of the ongoing discussions regarding data centers, one of the issues that has been raised is the decommissioning of data centers. The Board previously touched on this issue with the adoption of Resolution Number 21-327, which initiated amendments to the Zoning Ordinance and Design and Construction Standards Manual (DCSM), including direction to staff to address the decommissioning of data centers as part of the potential amendments. In addition, with the Board’s adoption of Resolution Number 23-111, the Board initiated amendments to the Zoning Ordinance and DCSM to address the potential impacts of data center uses; and as part of this effort, County staff has assigned a task to the vendor to develop a checklist for the data center decommissioning process. While staff are still working on these other aspects, Chair Jefferson would like to provide more specific direction to staff on the development of a potential data center decommissioning policy. The County Executive was directed to work with staff to develop a data center buildings and campuses decommissioning policy framework. The framework should address planning, environmental protection, infrastructure removal and recycling or disposal, security, workforce impacts, and site redevelopment. This work should include, but not be limited to, guidelines for developing decommissioning plans, environmental assessments, hazardous materials management plans, waste and recycling plans, site restoration plans, community notification plans, health and safety plans, and a final closure report. Any recommendations for Board consideration should draw upon other policies and documents already adopted by the Board, including, but not limited to, the Environment Chapter of the 2040 Comprehensive Plan, the 2025-2028 Strategic Plan, and the Community Energy and Sustainability Master Plan. Such research and recommendations should, where applicable, include proposed timelines, potential fiscal impacts, and other pertinent information for Board consideration. The County Attorney’s Office is directed to review the information and recommendations for any legal issues. When the research and work are complete, the County Executive should report back to the Board with the research and recommendations during a Board meeting or by memorandum, as appropriate.

Supporting Materials

Get an email whenever this directive changes status.