BCC Zoning Hearing 10-22-26

The Palm Beach County Board of County Commissioners zoning hearing on October 22, 2026, considered a proposed professional-services engagement to develop zoning and other regulations for large-load data centers. Staff proposed contracting with VHB for a nine-month work program covering technical impacts such as power demand, water use, noise, backup systems, and ongoing compliance, with public and stakeholder outreach. Staff described a contingency of up to $25,000; speakers referred to a total cost of roughly $224,000–$250,000. Staff said an information request drew six incomplete proposals, with reported costs ranging from about $125,000 for limited support to $2 million. Following an initial vote to proceed with VHB, the board reconsidered and ultimately directed staff to explore additional consultant options, subject to procurement requirements, rather than finalize the selection. Board members also called for a formal resident task force, with the task-force proposal expected to return for further consideration.

Other planning actions included approvals of several development and code items, including amendments related to workforce-housing flexibility and authorization to advertise proposed rules for charitable collection bins, with discussion of permit conditions and safeguards. The board also discussed seeking bus pullout opportunities and right-of-way in future development reviews, and approved zoning actions for projects including affordable workforce housing supported by county bond funding; no funding amount was stated. No other contract award or bid approval was identified.