Regulations for Large-Scale Data Centers
Proposed Code Amendment Fact Sheet
Proposed Code Amendment Frequently Asked Questions
Cumulative Feedback Received (As of 6/9/26)
August 2026
On August 5, 2026, the Mayor and Council adopted regulations for large-scale data centers within the City of Tucson with a 6-1 vote. Prior to this, no land use regulations specific to large-scale data centers existed in the City of Tucson. These regulations were developed through a year-long public process that included extensive community engagement, consultation with technical experts, and input from the Planning Commission. The regulations establish a public review process for proposed large-scale data centers that includes neighborhood coordination, a public hearing, review by the Zoning Examiner, and final consideration by the Mayor and Council. Under the new regulations, large-scale data centers are among the most highly regulated land uses within the City.
The regulations establish development standards for large-scale data centers that:
- Define large-scale data centers and establish a review process through existing Planned Area Development (PAD) and Planned Community Development (PCD) zoning processes
- Establish enhanced separation distances between large-scale data centers and residential areas, commercial and office uses, and other sensitive locations
- Require applicants to study sound impacts, install noise barriers, and adhere to operational noise limits
- Require facilities to have access to adequate water and power supply, and mandate disclosure of their energy mix, including renewables
- Require environmental reviews, as well as enhanced green space and open space with substantial landscaping around facilities
- Provide the opportunity to protect sensitive lands off-site at a 2:1 ratio, at the discretion of the Mayor and Council
The new regulations for large-scale data centers go into effect on September 4, 2026.
August 5, 2026
The proposed regulations for large-scale data centers have advanced to Mayor and Council for consideration and possible adoption. A public hearing has been scheduled for Wednesday, August 5, 2026, at or after 5:30 p.m. in the Mayor and Council Chambers at City Hall, 255 West Alameda. Community members are welcome to attend and provide comments.
The proposed Unified Development Code text amendments would establish development standards for large-scale data centers. These regulations:
- Define Large-Scale Data Centers and establish a review process through existing Planned Area Development (PAD) or Planned Community Development (PCD) zoning procedures
- Establish minimum separation distances from residential, commercial, and sensitive land uses, along with a 50-foot height limit
- Set noise standards, including requirements for studies, sound screening, and operational limits
- Require adequate energy and water supply, with limits on backup power emissions
- Require environmental review, open space preservation, and enhanced landscape buffers
- Establish parking flexibility and expand public notice requirements for hearings
Meeting materials will be posted to the Mayor and Council webpage approximately one week prior to the hearing.
The proposed regulations to be considered by Mayor and Council are below:
Proposed Regulation for Large-Scale Data Centers
June 17, 2026
Planning and Development Services continues to develop proposed regulations for large-scale data centers, following direction initiated by Mayor and Council in August 2025. The proposed regulations are intended to establish clear guardrails and a public review process for any proposed large-scale data center.
A Planning Commission Public Hearing on the proposed regulations was held on June 3, 2026, where 12 members of the public spoke and provided feedback. Following the hearing, the Planning Commission asked PDSD staff to review the comments received, conduct additional research, and return for additional Commission consideration.
The Planning Commission has scheduled that discussion for June 17 at 6 p.m. The meeting will be held in a hybrid format, with participation available both in person at the Mayor and Council Chambers and online.
Additional details, including the updated code proposal, are available on the Planning Commission webpage.
June 3, 2026
The City of Tucson's Planning Commission held a Public Hearing on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, to review a proposed update to development codes that would establish standards and regulations for large-scale data centers. The hearing was an opportunity for public comment on the proposal. Following the hearing, the Planning Commission asked PDSD staff to review the comments received, conduct additional research, and return for additional Commission consideration during the next meeting scheduled for Wednesday, June 17, 2026.
May 2026
A Planning Commission Study Session took place on Wednesday, May 6, 2026. The commission set a public hearing for Wednesday, June 3, 2026, at 6 p.m.
Materials from the meeting can be found on the .
March 2026
The TAC convened a meeting on March 9, 2026.
Presentation
TAC Meeting Notes
February/March 2026
Public Meetings on Large-Scale Data Centers
The City of Tucson invited community members to participate in public meetings to provide input on proposed new regulations for large-scale data centers. These meetings were intended to present considerations for a potential amendment to the Unified Development Code (UDC) to establish standards and regulations for this land use. 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.
Four public meetings were offered for the community to learn more about the proposed regulatory framework and share feedback. Meeting videos and presentations are available below.
Date: Thursday, February 19, 2026
Time: 6 – 8 p.m.
Location: Pueblo High School, 3500 S 12th Ave
Meeting Video
Presentation
Date: Monday, February 23, 2026
Time: 5 – 7 p.m.
Location: Virtual - Zoom
Meeting Video
Presentation
Date: Wednesday, March 4, 2026
Time: 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Location: Virtual
Meeting Video
Presentation
Date: Thursday, March 5, 2026
Time: 6 - 8 p.m.
Location: Rincon/University High School, 421 N Arcadia Ave
Meeting Video
Presentation
Community members who were unable to attend a meeting can still share their feedback on the proposal using the following survey link.
Additional Information
Public Meeting Materials
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 .
There was an opportunity for public comment during the call.
You may provide input to the Planning Commission via comments submitted to . The study session was recorded, and the meeting recordings are available online on thee.
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: