Coeur d’Alene city leaders have a hard message for data centers looking to build too big, too fast within city limits.

“The answer is no,” City Councilmember Dan English said.

On Tuesday, Coeur d’Alene city officials unanimously passed an announcement that they will not approve any proposals to construct, develop or expand data centers within city limits until “further analysis, study, and policy review” are conducted.

There are currently several data centers operating in Idaho. One of the most heavily talked about centers, in Kuna, is backed by billionaire Meta Platforms, Inc. owner Mark Zuckerberg. The center, although estimated to bring in 100 full-time jobs, has sparked environmental and energy cost concerns from Kuna locals.

Coeur d’Alene City Councilmember Christie Wood said Tuesday that the city publicly expressing its opposition to development of data centers also centered on what potential impacts any centers may have on the area’s resources.

Wood also suggested that Coeur d’Alene join with other local governments, including Kootenai County, Post Falls, Hayden and Rathdrum, in making a collective effort to protect against negative development of data centers.

“I think we all have to stand together and protect our aquifer,” she said. 

There are currently no data centers in Coeur d’Alene. Meanwhile, the only possible development of a data center in the area has been confirmed for nearby Washington state. In June, Avista Utilities told the Coeur d’Alene Press that it entered a memorandum of understanding with a company considering a “large load" data center in Spokane County.

When it comes to city zoning codes, development of data centers is considered what’s called “extensive impact.” Community Planning Director Hilary Patterson said extensive impact projects are only allowed by special use permit.

Areas which allow extensive impact projects within the city are mainly manufacturing zones. This includes the industrial park in the western part of the city. 

“We really don’t have a place to put one,” Mayor Dan Gookin said.

The only other way data centers could be allowed in the city is under what’s called “essential services,” which pertains more to projects that benefit public services.

“This is certainly a big issue across the country and throughout Idaho,” Patterson said. “So, I can certainly speak with other communities across the state to find out best practices.”

Despite Tuesday’s announcement opposing approving data centers too quickly, any proposals to build one will still go through due process, the city noted.

“We’re making a firm statement,” English said, who added that the city is not simply closing the door to any proposals. “We want to be careful.”