The Flagstaff Planning and Zoning Commission discussed adding restrictions on data center developments to the City code during its March 11 and 25 meetings.
This follows a trend in the Southwest where cities are increasing the number of restrictions regarding data centers due to fears surrounding resource consumption and environmental impacts. AZBEX has extensively covered restrictions popping up throughout Arizona. To view our previous coverage, click here.
Northern Arizona University’s Department of Applied Indigenous Studies held a discussion regarding data centers on March 20. This discussion focused on how data centers may impact Indigenous communities.
The code update will be taken up by the Flagstaff City Council on April 7. The City of Flagstaff was prompted to consider updating its code after viewing survey data gathered by the Arizona League of Cities and Towns that looked at data center regulations.
While Flagstaff’s current code does not specifically mention data centers, it does allow their construction by right in areas zoned Heavy Industrial and areas zoned Light Industrial with a Conditional Use Permit.
There are fewer than 10 parcels zoned Heavy Industrial in Flagstaff; most of which are already developed. City representatives clarified Flagstaff’s position, saying the code updates are not intended to prohibit data center development. The City does not want to outright ban data centers for fear of facing repercussions from the State Legislature.
The updated code would allow data centers in areas zoned Heavy Industrial with the approval of a Conditional Use Permit. It will also add specific use standards that could limit noise and will require an energy use assessment, a water-sewer impact analysis and a baseline noise study. (Source)