Pima County seeks public feedback on new data center zoning
Pima County officials are seeking public feedback on proposed zoning changes designed to regulate future data centers. These changes aim to define data centers, establish a formal development review process, and set specific design and environmental standards. Additionally, the Board of Supervisors will vote on a temporary moratorium on data center development to allow staff time to finalize the regulations.
Pima County officials in Arizona are actively soliciting community feedback on proposed zoning code amendments designed to regulate future data center development. The Pima County Development Services department has launched an online survey and scheduled public meetings to gather input, with the proposed rules slated for review by the planning commission next month.
County Administrator Jan Lesher provided the Board of Supervisors with a memo outlining the draft changes to Title 18 of the Zoning Code. This new framework seeks to formally define data centers, create a structured development review process, and impose specific design and development standards. Additionally, the regulations would mandate noise studies, mitigation plans, and adherence to the Conservation Lands System.
An open house for public input is scheduled for September 28, and an online forum will follow in October. Residents are encouraged to review the proposal, submit questions, and provide feedback on concerns and preferred code protections. Concurrently, the Board of Supervisors is set to vote on September 22 on a temporary moratorium on data center development, intended to provide staff with adequate time to finalize these comprehensive regulations.