Data Centers Unified Development Code Amendment

What is the Data Center Code Amendment Technical Advisory Committee (TAC)? The TAC is comprised of subject matter experts who provide technical guidance, advise, and make recommendations that inform the development of zoning regulations for large-scale data centers under the City of Tucson Unified Development Code.

Click Here to learn more about the Data Center Code Amendment Technical Advisory Committee. 

The members of the committee include:

Name Area of Expertise Organization/Affiliation
Adria Brooks Power systems and renewable energy Transmission Planning Subject Matter Expert
Chris Dougherty Data center Ark Data Center
Chris Lindsey Power systems and renewable energy Tucson Electric Power
Dan Stormont Environmental Commission on Climate, Energy & Sustainability
Darin Gregg Large-scale data user USAF Intelligence
Ed Hendel Water/land use Citizen's Water Advisory Committee
Jason Makansi Land use regulations Planning Commission Liaison
Josh Wright Data center regulations UA Chief Facilities and Planning Officer
Kate Hotten Environmental The Coalition for Sonoran Desert Protection
Lisa Shipek Water / environmental Watershed Management Group
Remy Franklin Energy Resources InterwestEnergy Alliance
Ryan Gruver Data center operations Data Center Technology Executive
Shawn Blubaum Infrastructure and construction Sundt Construction

February 2026

The City of Tucson invites community members to participate in public meetings to provide input on proposed new regulations for large-scale data centers. These meetings are intended to present considerations for a potential amendment to the Unified Development Code (UDC) to establish standards and regulations for this land use.

Four public meetings will be offered for the community to learn more about the proposed regulatory framework and share feedback. 

Date: Thursday, February 19, 2026
Time: 6 – 8 p.m.
Location: Pueblo High School, 3500 S 12th Ave
REGISTER: In-Person Public Meeting

Date: Monday, February 23, 2026
Time: 5 – 7 p.m.
Location: Virtual
REGISTER: Virtual Public Meeting

Date: Wednesday, March 4, 2026
Time: 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Location: Virtual
REGISTER: Virtual Public Meeting

Date: Thursday, March 5, 2026
Time: 6 - 8 p.m.
Location: TBA (Please check back for update)

The proposed code amendment was initiated by Mayor and Council during their August 6, 2025, Study Session, when they directed City staff to develop regulations for large-scale data centers.


January 2026

The TAC convened a meeting on January 12, 2026. 

Presentation

TAC Meeting Notes


December 2025

The TAC convened a meeting on December 15, 2025.

Presentation

TAC Meeting Notes


November 2025

The TAC convened a meeting on November 17, 2025.

Presentation

TAC Meeting Notes


September 2025

At the Planning Commission meeting on September 17, 2025, Planning and Development Services (PDSD) staff briefed the Planning Commission on the Mayor and Council’s request and sought their input on data centers.

This was the first of two anticipated Planning Commission Study Sessions. Materials for the meeting can be found on the Planning Commission page.

There was an opportunity for public comment during the call.

You may provide input to the Planning Commission via comments submitted to PlanningCommission@tucsonaz.gov. The study session was recorded, and the meeting recordings are available online on the Planning Commission webpage.

A community engagement process will be scheduled by PDSD staff to gather input for the community. Information will follow on upcoming opportunities to participate.

Review the Zoning Determination Letter

 


August 2025

During the August 6, 2025, meeting, Mayor and Council considered and declined to move forward with the proposed Project Blue data center Proposal. As part of this consideration, Mayor and Council requested that Planning and Development Services (PDSD) staff develop a Unified Development Code amendment to address the development of large-scale data centers within the City limits.

Watch the video of the Mayor and Council meeting below: