BCC Zoning Hearing - 10-22-2026

The Palm Beach County Board of County Commissioners’ zoning hearing on October 22, 2026, included discussion of hiring a consultant to help develop regulations for large-load data centers. Staff described negotiations with VHB for a roughly nine-month effort, with a cost cited at about $224,000; public speakers referred to a cost of up to approximately $250,000. Staff said an earlier request for information produced six incomplete proposals, ranging from $200,000 to $2 million, and that another local option raised conflict concerns. Speakers questioned the consultant’s independence and vetting and called for greater resident participation, while commissioners discussed technical expertise, public input, and the county’s one-year data-center moratorium, adopted September 24, 2026, including the possibility of a limited extension.

The board did not make a final contract award. A motion to consider other available consultant options and work with a task force passed 4–1. The proposed work would examine impacts such as noise, water, and energy use and develop administrable standards, with public outreach and board checkpoints. Separately, the board approved permission to advertise flexible regulations related to the workforce housing program; no procurement action was identified for that item.