The Coalition continues to work with local governments to establish enforceable guardrails for proposed data centers, including ordinances, zoning codes, and policies. Our goal is to ensure that any approvals include meaningful protections for communities and the Sonoran Desert.
This work is underway in Pima County – now’s your chance to be a part of the process!
Pima County is seeking public feedback on proposed changes to its Zoning Code for data centers. As more data centers are proposed in the region, the County is working to establish clearer rules for where and how they can be built in unincorporated Pima County.
The draft code would address:
- Review and approval: Define which facilities qualify as data centers and establish a review process for larger projects.
- Water and energy: Require closed-loop cooling and documentation of adequate water and energy supplies.
- Nearby properties: Set requirements for setbacks, landscaping, screening, and building design.
- Noise, lighting, and generators: Require noise studies and set standards for lighting and backup generators.
- Conservation: Require projects to comply with the Conservation Lands System and the Sonoran Desert Conservation Plan policies.
How to help today
The rules are still a draft, and this is an opportunity to tell the County which protections matter to you. You can participate in several ways:
- Take the online survey to share your priorities and concerns.
- Attend the open house NEXT MONDAY, September 28, from 10am – 3pm in the basement of the Public Works Building, 201 N Stone Ave, Tucson.
- Email comments to DSDPlanning@pima.gov. You can comment on the draft as a whole or focus on the issues most important to you.
- Join the County’s online forum in October. The date and participation details have not been announced yet.
Additional opportunities for public comment will be available as the proposal moves through public hearings. The Planning and Zoning Commission is scheduled to consider it on October 28, and the Board of Supervisors on December 15. Check the County’s meeting notices for hearing times and instructions on speaking.
Read the proposed code changes and County Administrator’s memo.
