Development News for Tucson, Arizona

Tucson Planning Commission Delays Vote on Large-Scale Data Center Regulations, Seeks Further Review

The City of Tucson Planning Commission reviewed a proposed amendment to the Unified Development Code (UDC) to establish regulations for large-scale data centers. The amendment aims to provide guardrails for their development, addressing concerns raised by Mayor and Council and the public. Currently, the UDC does not specifically address large-scale data centers, treating smaller ones as storage uses. The proposed amendment is in conjunction with the large quantity water users ordinance adopted in August 2025. The process involved a technical advisory committee, community meetings, and multiple study sessions. Key considerations included water scarcity, energy demands, noise, and separation distances. The proposed regulations mandate that large-scale data centers be reviewed as Planned Area Developments (PADs) or Planned Community Developments (PCDs), requiring a public review and consideration process with ultimate decision-making by Mayor and Council. Specific standards address noise, battery backup, water supply certification, cooling technology, energy disclosure, landscaping, and environmental considerations. Revisions since the last study session include lowering the energy threshold from 50 to 20 megawatts, adding a 50-foot height limit, increasing separation distances to a half mile from residential zones, and expanding landscaping buffers. The commission voted to continue the public hearing to allow staff to incorporate additional comments and revisions.