Tucson City Council approves data center regulations within city limits

The Tucson City Council approved new regulations for large scale data centers within city limits. The rules cover city approval, noise, water use, zoning and other requirements. They are expected to take effect Sept. 4.

Noise limits will be measured at the property line. Data centers must use backup batteries during power disruptions and cannot shift their load by running generators instead of using electricity from the grid.

Large data centers must apply through a Planned Area Development or Planned Community Development process. Applicants also must hold neighborhood meetings with advance notice for affected communities.

The rules require data centers that use Tucson Water to follow large quantity water ordinances and show they have an adequate water supply. They generally cannot use drinking water for cooling. Applicants must also show they have enough energy, disclose their energy mix and meet other requirements, including setbacks from environmentally sensitive areas and replanting disturbed land with native vegetation.

The regulations follow months of public debate over proposed data centers in Southern Arizona, including a Project Blue development near the Pima County Fairgrounds and a proposed site in Marana. Some residents called for a moratorium, while others said the new rules should be stricter.