Adelanto moves toward data center zoning update following San Diego tour
Adelanto is considering a zoning code update to permit data centers and other energy facilities, prompting concerns from residents about the potential strain on local water supplies in an already water-stressed region. A public hearing has been scheduled for residents to voice their opinions on the proposed amendment. City officials visited a data center in San Diego prior to the proposed update.
The City of Adelanto is moving to update its municipal code to allow data centers, battery energy storage, and microchip, semiconductor, and drone manufacturing as identified land uses. This proposed amendment aims to ratify language in zoning codes but will not approve specific developments or authorize construction. The initiative follows a visit by Adelanto Mayor Pro Tem Daniel Ramos and Councilmember Amanda Uptergrove to the ScaleMatrix Data Center in San Diego.
The proposal has raised significant concerns among local residents, particularly regarding the potential impact on already strained water supplies in the High Desert region. Residents cite the high water consumption of data centers, which can range from 200,000 to 5 million gallons daily, for cooling purposes. Daniel Davis, an Adelanto resident, questioned the source of water for such facilities, while Gina Reynoso expressed strong opposition online due to environmental concerns.
Mayor Pro Tem Ramos attempted to address