Oro Valley Prohibits Stand-Alone Data Centers in Commercial and Technical Park Districts
Oro Valley officials unanimously adopted a code amendment prohibiting stand-alone data centers in commercial and technical park zoning districts. Ancillary data centers operated by businesses or the town remain allowed, while residents and some council members urged a broader ban because of potential impacts on water, electricity, land and noise.
The Oro Valley Town Council unanimously adopted a code amendment prohibiting stand-alone data centers in the town's commercial and technical park zoning districts. Ancillary facilities used by employers such as Roche Tissue Diagnostics or by the town itself will remain permitted. The action followed concerns from town officials that existing zoning rules could allow a data center proposal without additional review.
Vice Mayor and Mayor-elect Melanie Barrett had sought a moratorium while new regulations were developed, and Mayor Joe Winfield described the adopted ban as the first step toward a more thorough review of data center impacts. Planning officials and residents cited potential demands on electricity and water, noise, environmental effects and land use. Councilmember-elect Rosa Dailey and resident Teri Lamour said the amendment did not go far enough and supported prohibiting all stand-alone facilities, including those serving remote artificial intelligence infrastructure.