Medford City Staff Directed to Refine Data Center Regulations Amid Environmental Concerns
The Medford City Council and planning commission have instructed city staff to draft updated design and zoning guidelines for data centers. This decision follows a joint study session where council and commission members discussed the potential environmental impacts of large 'hyperscale' data centers, which are a growing concern across Oregon and the nation. While data centers are seen as economic drivers, offering significant tax revenues and job creation, they also raise issues regarding heavy electricity and water consumption for cooling, as well as broader environmental and land use considerations. Currently, Medford's land use codes permit data centers in all commercial and light industrial zones without specific design or location standards, and no applications have yet been submitted for new facilities within the city. Oregon Governor Tina Kotek recently ordered a pause on data center development on state lands until July 2027 due to similar concerns. Assistant Planning Director Kelly Akin clarified...
