Tucson sets rules for large-scale data centers

Tucson City Council approved new rules Wednesday for future large-scale data centers, nearly a year after the city rejected annexing the Project Blue data center. The regulations take effect in 30 days.

The city defines a large-scale data center as a facility with more than 25,000 square feet of floor space or one that uses more than 20 megawatts of power. Proposals must go through a neighborhood meeting and receive final approval from the mayor and City Council.

Under the rules, data centers must be at least a half-mile from residential or education land, and buildings can be no taller than 50 feet. Applicants also must show they have an adequate energy supply and identify the energy mix they would use.

Facilities not covered by the city’s large water user limits cannot use drinking water for cooling. The city is not banning large-scale data centers, in part because of potential property rights issues under Proposition 207. Tucson plans to review the ordinance after at least one year and study possible legal options for a ban.