Yellowhead County council has introduced data processing centres as a discretionary use to its Natural (ND), Rural (RD), Industrial (ID) and Commercial (CD) districts.
Council passed Bylaw 04.26, an amendment to the Land Use Bylaw (LUB), on May 26. In addition to allowing data processing centres, the county says the bylaw improves LUB clarity through minor corrections and additions.
Previous to this change, there was no allowance within the bylaw for these types of facilities. Officials say the county has received a number of inquiries for this type of project, which cannot move forward without inclusion in the bylaw.
Now, development permits for data processing centres can be issued on a discretionary basis, meaning council will act as the final development authority, and may impose additional requirements for project approval.
So far, the county says all the proposed data centres have identified Crown Land in the county’s Natural Districts as their potential location.
In addition to requiring Alberta Utilities Commission approval, the bylaw requires reports on traffic and environmental impacts, risk mitigation and design considerations, such as setback minimums.
A public hearing on the proposed change was held on May 12, and the county says no input was received from the public.
