Butte Data Center Initiative: Official Petition Language
That a new Article will be added to Chapter 17(Zoning) of the Butte-Silver Bow Municipal Code to read as follows:
17.04.154. Definitions
Data Center – The term "data center" means any facility that contains electronic equipment used to process, store, and transmit digital information, which may be— (A) a free-standing structure; or (B) a facility within a larger structure, that uses environmental control equipment to maintain the proper conditions for the operation of electronic equipment.
17.36.120. Data Center
After 11/03/2026, the City/County of Butte-Silver Bow may not authorize, license, permit, or otherwise approve construction or expansion of any Data Center without approval via special election in which 2/3 of all registered voters approve.
If 15% of the registered voters in the City/County of Butte-Silver Bow (City-County) sign this petition, the vote to modify Butte-Silver Bow Municipal Code (BMC), Title 17 (Zoning) will appear on the next possible ballot. If a majority of voters vote for the modification, then the City/County of Butte-Silver Bow may not authorize, license, permit, or otherwise approve construction or expansion of any Data Center without approval via special election in which 2/3 of all registered voters approve.
We, the undersigned City/County of Butte-Silver Bow voters, propose the City-County place the following language on the November 2026 ballot:
Statement of Purpose:
The Butte Data Center Initiative will establish new provisions in the Butte-Silver Bow (City-County) Municipal Code to prohibit after November 3, 2026, any necessary authorization to construct or expand any Data Center within the city-county without prior approval via an election in which 2/3 of all registered voters approve.
[ ] Yes the Butte Data Center Ordinance
[ ] No the Butte Data Center Ordinance
Voters are urged to read the complete text of the Statement of Purpose and the proposed BMC Chapter 17. A signature on this petition is only to put the question to modify BMC Chapter 17 on the ballot and does not necessarily mean signer agrees with modifying BMC Chapter 17.
Treasurer Karmen Baker
1341 Harrison Ave, Butte, MT. 59701
