Communities across Arizona consider stronger rules for data center development
Communities across Arizona are considering stricter data center rules addressing water use, electricity demand, noise, setbacks, cooling systems and decommissioning. Pima County has temporarily banned data center development while it develops regulations, Gilbert postponed a zoning vote, Page is preparing an ordinance, and Marana approved strengthened standards.
Pima County temporarily banned data center development while officials consult experts and consider rules requiring a restrictive conditional use permit, utility service guarantees, limits on water-intensive cooling, larger setbacks, lower noise limits and decommissioning requirements. The county moratorium is scheduled to end Jan. 20, while the Board of Supervisors is expected to vote on the proposed rules by the end of the year.
Page is considering data center districts, neighborhood notification and meeting requirements, utility supply certifications and noise controls for a proposed facility near Horseshoe Bend. Gilbert postponed action on a zoning ordinance until December, while Marana approved stronger noise, decommissioning and financial-assurance requirements by a 5-1 vote. Residents and officials cited water scarcity, grid impacts, neighborhood noise and potential heat emissions as reasons for tighter oversight.