Gilbert becomes next Arizona community to consider stronger data center development rules

The town of Gilbert is the next Arizona community reopening its zoning code to address concerns around data center development.

The city of Tucson is currently deciding on new rules, and the town of Florence is forming an expert committee to promote development guidelines.

Larger data center hubs like Phoenix, Chandler and Mesa, meanwhile, went through similar processes last year or earlier.

Gilbert only has one data center and has not received any new requests to build. In a statement, the town says it recognizes the need for data centers in an ever-growing digital world, but does not want them to have a negative impact on local water supplies considering current shortages on the Colorado River.

Among the proposed rules are restrictions on where developers can build data centers and on open-loop cooling systems, which require lots of water.

“We have carefully researched and analyzed multiple municipal codes, both locally and nationally, to understand best practices and to draft potential standards compatible with our community. Our goal is to balance readiness for new technological opportunities while ensuring that any future development aligns with Gilbert’s high expectations for community protection, quality of life and responsible growth,” a town spokesperson said

A public hearing on the zoning code amendment will be held Aug. 5 before going to the council for consideration on Sept. 1.