Tucson Tightens Oversight Of Large-Scale Data Centers

TUCSON, AZ — Tucson has adopted new regulations for large-scale data centers, creating a public review process and adding requirements aimed at addressing noise, water use, energy demand and impacts on nearby neighborhoods.

The Mayor and Council approved the rules in a 6-1 vote Aug. 5 after a yearlong process that included community engagement, technical-expert consultation and input from the Planning Commission.

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Before the vote, Tucson did not have land-use regulations written specifically for large-scale data centers. The new rules take effect Sept. 4.

Under the regulations, proposed large-scale data centers will be reviewed through the city's existing Planned Area Development and Planned Community Development zoning processes.

That review includes neighborhood coordination, a public hearing, review by the Zoning Examiner and final consideration by the Mayor and Council.

City officials said the regulations make large-scale data centers among the most heavily regulated land uses in Tucson.

The rules establish greater separation between data centers and residential areas, commercial and office uses, and other sensitive locations. Developers also must study potential sound impacts, install noise barriers and comply with operational noise limits.

Applicants will be required to show they have adequate water and power supplies before moving forward and disclose their planned energy mix, including renewable-energy sources.

The regulations also call for environmental reviews, enhanced green space and open space, and substantial landscaping around proposed facilities. The Mayor and Council may also allow developers to protect sensitive land off-site at a 2-to-1 ratio.

The new standards are intended to give Tucson more oversight as large-scale data-center development expands nationally and communities weigh the facilities' potential economic benefits against concerns about electricity demand, water consumption, noise and land use.