Marana Town Council Approves Strict Data Center Noise Rules

The Marana Town Council voted 5-1 to approve new regulations for data centers, focusing on noise attenuation and facility decommissioning. The ordinances tighten noise requirements to include tonal, ambient, and low-frequency sounds. They also establish a 180-day window to begin decommissioning after operations cease, with a final deadline for completion within 12 months.

Town attorney Jane Fairall stated that the town can use fines, business license actions, and emergency injunctions to enforce these standards. She noted that failure to comply with court-issued abatement orders could result in criminal offenses and potential jail time.

Councilmember Patrick Cavanaugh cast the sole opposing vote. He expressed concern that large companies might treat fines as a cost of doing business rather than correcting violations, arguing that the ordinance does not provide sufficient assurances for residents.

In a separate development, the Christian County Plan Review Committee advanced its own proposed data center regulations to the full Planning Commission. These rules would limit such developments to heavy industrial districts and address utility capacity, facility size, and setbacks.