COOLIDGE, AZ – The Coolidge City Council voted unanimously to change how data centers can be developed in agricultural zones within city limits, adding a requirement for public hearings before approval.
Ordinance 24-13 moves data centers from a principally permitted use to a conditionally permitted use in agricultural zones. The change requires data center proposals to undergo additional review and public hearings before the Planning and Zoning Commission.
City Manager Gilbert Lopez explained that when the city created the principally permitted uses in 2018-2019, it made sense for the area near Inland Port of Arizona (IPAZ) across Highway 87. However, recent inquiries from realtors about potential data center developments in agricultural areas closer to the city core prompted staff to reconsider this approach.
Under the previous rules, data center proposals in agricultural zones only required site plan review by the Planning and Zoning Commission. The new conditional use permit process allows for public input and gives the Commission more discretion in determining appropriate locations.
The amendment does not affect data centers proposed within industrial zones, including IPAZ, where they remain principally permitted uses. Lopez confirmed that data centers are already allowed in industrial zones under either I-1 or I-2 zoning classifications.
The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval of the amendment at their November 6 meeting before it advanced to the City Council for final approval.
The ordinance was approved with six council members voting in favor and one member absent.
