Town eyes zoning update with data centers in mind
The Town of Sahuarita, Arizona, is advancing a long-planned amendment to its park industrial zone code to specifically define and address data centers. This update aims to determine if data centers are an allowable land use, with at least one public meeting scheduled for the fall.
The Town of Sahuarita, Arizona, is initiating a significant update to its park industrial zone code, which will specifically address the development of data centers within its jurisdiction. This amendment is slated to define "data centers" as a distinct land use term, a step Community Development Director Anna Casadei notes is crucial for determining their permissibility in the designated zones.
The proposed changes apply to a 200-acre property situated near La Cañada Drive and Sahuarita Road, south of Rancho Resort, which is currently zoned for park industrial use within the Rancho Sahuarita Specific Plan. A developer had reportedly sought confirmation in July 2025 regarding the allowance of data centers on this property.
The town plans to hold at least one public meeting this fall to discuss the proposed code amendment. This initiative reflects a proactive approach by Sahuarita to integrate data center considerations into its planning framework, as the current code lacks a specific definition for such facilities.