Woodburn, OR. — The City of Woodburn has launched a comprehensive review of its regulations, infrastructure and long-term planning framework as officials prepare for the possibility of future data center development.
City Manager Scott Derickson recently informed the City Council that Woodburn retained Thomas Consulting Group, an independent technical advisory firm, to conduct the review. The firm will examine city ordinances, policies, utility infrastructure, environmental regulations and planning requirements.
The city said the review will help officials determine whether regulatory changes are needed to evaluate potential data center applications, address public concerns and protect infrastructure.
Data center developer Verrus has evaluated industrial properties in and around Woodburn, according to the city. However, no data center development applications were under city review as of Aug. 11.
“This work is about making sure the City is prepared and has the right tools and technical expertise available so the City can adequately protect the public interest should a data application be forthcoming,” Derickson said.
Thomas Consulting Group will examine land use and zoning rules, development standards, utility coordination, environmental regulations, noise requirements and other municipal policies. The firm will also recommend potential changes to Woodburn’s planning framework and develop tools officials could use when reviewing future proposals.
The city emphasized that the review does not represent support for or opposition to a particular data center project.
“This review is not an endorsement of any particular data center project,” Derickson said. “Instead, it is an opportunity to take a step back, evaluate the City’s current regulations and infrastructure, and determine whether additional safeguards, standards, or planning tools are appropriate.”
Woodburn has also notified the Oregon Department of Land Conservation and Development that it may consider a temporary moratorium on data center-related development. The city submitted the notice July 31.
Oregon law requires a city to provide at least 45 days’ notice before holding a public hearing and acting on a proposed moratorium. Woodburn officials will use that waiting period to consider whether a temporary pause is needed while the technical review and related policy discussions proceed.
The city identified infrastructure, utilities, land use, noise, environmental resources and long-term growth among the issues that could be affected by future data center development.
Michelle Thomas, founder and CEO of Thomas Consulting Group, said Woodburn’s decision to conduct a review before receiving an application places the city in a stronger position to evaluate future proposals based on technical information rather than project deadlines.
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