Despite dire warnings from economic development officials, the Phoenix City Council has unanimously voted to approve a modified set of zoning restrictions and a General Plan amendment for data centers.
AZBEX has extensively reported on the moves to restrict data centers in Phoenix and other cities in recent issues. (AZBEX: May 21; June 10; June 18; July 2)
Mayor Kate Gallego led the push for the restrictions in addition to calling for the State to eliminate development incentives for data centers, referring to the program as “antiquated.” Gallego and other supporters of the new restrictions cited claims the industrial subsector does not provide very many jobs, impedes walkability, harms neighborhood character, has high utility usage and does not promote mass transit utilization.
Data center development supporters cited significant private investment revenue, the creation of secondary jobs and the sector’s contribution to advanced manufacturing and other high-tech industries fueling Arizona’s economic diversity.
The measure Council adopted featured two significant changes from the restrictions that were originally proposed. Under the approved language, projects that had already been discussed and approved were grandfathered, and noise level requirements were given specific parameters for decibel thresholds.
The update defines a set of criteria to define what a data center is, sets the zoning districts where they will be permitted, establishes distance requirements from other development types, requires power assurances from energy utilities, and will enforce various “health and safety” regulations.
Projects requiring special permits may have an additional “specific” noise standard imposed as a condition of approval. Under the general guidelines, sound levels may not exceed 55 decibels between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m. or 45 decibels between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m.
District 8 Councilmember Kesha Hodge Washington stressed the new restrictions were not intended to ban data center development but, rather, demonstrate an effort “to be more intentional” about siting and impacts. (Source)