Washington County Blocks Data Center Deals With 3-1 Vote

Washington County commissioners voted 3-1 on Tuesday, October 27, to adopt a resolution opposing large-scale standalone data centers in unincorporated areas. The measure directs county departments to avoid granting easements or selling property that would facilitate the construction of such facilities.

The resolution includes three amendments that restrict county property transactions, easements, and nondisclosure agreements related to data centers. Under the new rules, county staff cannot voluntarily grant rights-of-way to help build a known large-scale facility, with exceptions only for legal requirements or specific road improvements.

Vice Chair Jerry Willey cast the sole dissenting vote. He had previously advocated for the original version of the resolution, arguing that it achieved the county's intent without placing additional burdens on staff. During an October 20 work session, Willey stated, 'I like the original one. It did what we intended.'

Commissioner Nafisa Fai moved to adopt the resolution with the three amendments, and Commissioner Pam Treece seconded the motion. Commissioners Jason Snider and Fai also voted in favor. Snider expressed frustration during the final vote, noting that the committee had failed to reach consensus the previous week. 'We could have easily all agreed and provided consensus to our staff last week,' Snider said.

The item was initially scheduled for consideration on October 6 but was removed from the agenda by Willey, who is serving as acting chair after Kathryn Harrington's resignation. Willey pulled the item to allow Fai more time to review the proposal. Fai subsequently submitted several amendments on October 5, which were reviewed by commissioners during the October 20 work session.

The resolution does not create a formal development moratorium or prohibit data center construction outright. Instead, it expresses county support for the work of Oregon's Data Center Advisory Committee and for moratoriums in jurisdictions where large-scale development is likely. County staff are also directed to assess whether a rules update should be included in future planning documents.

County officials report that no large-scale standalone data centers currently exist in unincorporated Washington County, and no applications are pending. While existing regulations do not explicitly list data centers as an allowed use, a limited approval pathway may exist on certain industrially designated properties within the urban growth boundary. Staff consider such development unlikely due to existing infrastructure constraints.

Municipalities within the county have already implemented their own restrictions. Hillsboro adopted its first phase of permanent data center regulations on October 20 and remains under a development moratorium through November 24. Forest Grove approved a 120-day moratorium on October 12.