Tucson City Council approves data center regulations within city limits
The Tucson City Council has approved new regulations for data centers within city limits, addressing concerns such as noise, water and energy usage, and zoning. These new rules, which require city approval and community meetings, are set to take effect on September 4. Community members, however, voiced desires for even stricter measures, including a moratorium on data center development.
The Tucson City Council has officially approved a new set of regulations for large-scale data center developments within its city limits, with the ordinance scheduled to take effect on September 4. This decision follows multiple public meetings where community members voiced concerns regarding the environmental and local impacts of such facilities.
The approved regulations encompass several key areas: noise limits enforced at property lines, a ban on load shifting (using generators instead of grid power), and a requirement for backup batteries during power disruptions. Developers must now apply through a Planned Area Development or Planned Community Development process, which includes mandatory neighborhood meetings with advanced notice. Environmental stipulations include compliance with Large Quantity Water Ordinances, demonstrating an adequate water supply, and prohibiting potable water for cooling if covered by the ordinance. Additionally, data centers must disclose their energy mix, maintain separation distances from environmentally sensitive areas, reduce parking, and re-vegetate disturbed land with native plants.
While the City Council moved forward with the regulations, community feedback highlighted a desire for more stringent measures. Danny Benoit and Melinda Spina of Desert Dispatch argued that the council should go further, suggesting a moratorium on data centers until more is known about their environmental impact. Derrick Espadas from the No Desert Data Center Coalition expressed support for the city's regulatory efforts but advocated for stricter rules, urging the council to prioritize community interests over developer-friendly policies. Mayor Regina Romero has been working with the City Council and the city's planning commission to develop these ordinances.