Officials and staff in the City of Peoria are considering several possible policy updates that could tighten development restrictions on new data centers.
While much of Peoria’s industrial land is built out, officials are concerned about possible developments in the Peoria Innovation Core and Legacy Point master planned areas, as well as other possible issues.
The City’s current approach is layered and includes allowing data centers in any industrial-zoned district. There are also no restrictions for projects that include large-scale water use. Staff has recommended updating the definition of a data center to reflect modern uses.
City Council has directed staff to look into amending the zoning code to provide more flexibility by requiring a special use permit. Supporters say the SUP would let the Council differentiate between data center projects case-by-case.
Data centers are currently allowed by right in Legacy Point, and an application is currently in the review process.
Deputy Planning Director Lorie Dever said Peoria has policies and regulations on utility infrastructure demands that could also be a factor in considering and approving projects.
Dever told Peoria officials Council will not have legal authority under a code amendment to restrict land uses and that regulations must be objective and based on community impacts like operational restrictions and setback requirements.
Peoria could require a conditional use permit and apply conditions requiring approval from the City’s Planning and Zoning Commission.
It could also require rezoning or SUPs. These options would be decided by Council, and an SUP requirement would provide developers with baseline standards while allowing Council to add rules to specific sites.
Other recommended changes include eliminating data centers in business and commerce parks, enlarging requirements for setbacks and landscaping buffers, mandating third-party noise studies, and requiring screening for electrical and mechanical equipment.
Staff advised against attempting to implement and code changes retroactively.
Any zoning code amendments will be reviewed by City commissions before going to Council for a final vote. (Source: The Arizona Republic)
EDITOR’S NOTE: Multiple jurisdictions around Arizona have imposed increasing levels of restrictions on data center zoning and development recently. AZBEX has covered the issue extensively, and much of our reporting is available at this link. Data center restrictions are also a growing trend in Nevada. Our Nevada sister publication, NVBEX, has also covered the issue. That coverage is available here.