Flagstaff’s Planning and Zoning Commission endorses data center ban in split decision

The Flagstaff Planning and Zoning Commission has recommended an outright ban on data centers within the city, following a narrow 4-3 vote. This decision came despite city staff's recommendation for a conditional use permit (CUP) process, with some commissioners expressing strong belief that a CUP would be insufficient to address potential negative impacts like high water and electricity usage, and noise. Commissioner Mary Norton stated her concern that the CUP process wasn't strong enough for such an impactful development. The ban proposal, which would amend the city's zoning code to prohibit data centers as a primary land use, was passed due to Commission Chair Carole Mandino's abstention being counted as an affirmative vote under city rules. Tiffany Antol, the city's zoning code manager, had initially presented the CUP proposal, identifying a 'hole' in existing regulations. She also warned that an outright ban could be legally risky and become unenforceable if the Arizona Legislature limits local government authority, similar to actions taken on short-term rentals. However, commissioners requested a draft ban proposal, which included stricter requirements for CUPs such as 200-foot setbacks, revised noise limits, and a prohibition on water-based cooling systems. Six public commenters unanimously voiced opposition to data center proliferation, citing environmental and social impacts, and advocated for a ban or strict permitting. City staff members like C.J. Perry and David McIntire discussed the economic benefits, primarily through attracting other high-tech companies, while Commissioner C.J. Lucke expressed skepticism about direct local benefits beyond property taxes. The Flagstaff City Council is not bound by the commission's recommendation and is expected to hold a contentious discussion and vote on the matter in early May.