Data center ordinance changes approved by Marana Planning Commission
The Marana Planning Commission unanimously approved amendments to the town's data center ordinance. The changes establish a 55-decibel noise limit and require developers to set aside money for site cleanup if a data center closes, though residents questioned enforcement and the level of developer leverage.
Marana's Planning Commission approved amendments to the town's data center ordinance after a public hearing. The changes include a 55-decibel noise limit, enforcement through code violations and potential fines or business-license revocation, and financial assurances requiring developers to fund site cleanup if a facility closes earlier than expected.
Residents raised concerns about how the noise standard would be enforced and whether the six-month cleanup provision gives developers too much leverage. The vote followed an Arizona Court of Appeals ruling against an effort to require a public vote on zoning for a proposed 600-acre data center project on Luckett Road near the Pinal County line. Commissioners said the amendments were a first step and indicated they would continue monitoring future data center development.