US Counties Draft New Ordinances to Regulate Data Centers

Local governments across the United States are establishing new regulatory frameworks to manage the rapid growth of data center development. In Arizona, Pima County is proposing zoning changes to Title 18 of the Zoning Code to address projects like Project Gravel in Sahuarita. County Administrator Jan Lesher released draft changes that would mandate closed-loop cooling systems for water conservation and require conditional use permits for developments exceeding 25 acres. The proposal also introduces strict noise limits for sites near residential areas and specific height and setback standards.

Pima County Development Services is currently gathering public feedback through an online survey and an open house scheduled for September 28. While the Board of Supervisors considered a temporary moratorium on September 22 to finalize these rules, a final decision on the zoning changes is scheduled for December 15.

Similar efforts are underway in other states. In Klickitat County, Washington, Planning Director Scott Edelman is drafting an ordinance to address community transparency and developer activity, with a final version potentially approved by October 6. Meanwhile, in Candler County, Georgia, the Board of Commissioners held public discussions regarding a potential site near the Metter Municipal Airport. While no formal application has been submitted, some residents are calling for a six-month moratorium. Separately, the city of Metter is forming a resident-run task force to evaluate a different data center proposal within city limits.