The Gilbert Planning Commission is moving toward implementing further restrictions to manage further construction of data centers.
The Commission has argued the move is due to the large quantity of resources consumed by data centers – whether it be power or water. Other concerns surrounding data centers include sound, scale and architectural design.
As far as water usage is concerned, data center supporters have argued the buildings recycle 90-95% of water used.
Town Planner Sal DiSanto said Town staff is looking into adding a text amendment to the Land Development Code to create new standards and procedures.
The code only directly mentions data centers twice – once regarding its definition, and the other in the regulations table for industrial buildings. Currently, data centers are allowed in Gilbert with a conditional use permit in industrial areas.
Savills Research recently released a study that showed data centers have made up nearly 7MSF of industrial development in the East Valley. In Q4 2025, data centers made up one-third of all industrial construction in the Phoenix metropolitan area.
Town staff argued further guidelines would be beneficial to developers as well, saying they will provide guidelines about what the Town expects. The new guidelines may also affect mechanical equipment and setback standards.
Other changes may include maximum height, landscaping requirements and sound-mitigation efforts.
Staff is currently looking into potential zoning districts to house data centers. Additionally, staff is weighing whether to require special use permits.
Once prepared, the new guidelines will be presented to the Planning Commission in a public hearing. Afterward, the guidelines will appear before Town Council in a study session prior to coming to Council for a vote. A citizen review meeting is expected to occur at some point soon. (Source)