Tucson to review new rules for large-scale data centers May 6

The Tucson Planning Commission is set to hold a study session on May 6 at City Hall to review proposed regulations for large-scale data centers. This follows a directive from the Mayor and Council in August 2025 to develop specific rules governing these facilities within the city. Currently, large-scale data centers are classified as utility generation land use, permitted only through Planned Area Development or Planned Community Development, but lack dedicated regulatory guidelines. The proposed regulations are the result of input from a Technical Advisory Committee and significant public engagement, including four public meetings attended by over 200 people and more than 980 comments submitted online. The upcoming study session will allow the Planning Commission to discuss community feedback and the draft regulations before preparing a code amendment. This amendment will then proceed to a public hearing and recommendation from the Planning Commission, ultimately advancing to the Mayor and Council for their consideration and potential adoption.