The Mesa Planning and Zoning Board voted 6-1 to approve a recommendation to the Mesa City Council regarding amendments to the Mesa City Code that will establish specific zoning regulations for data centers during its June 25 meeting. Board member Genessee Montes was the dissenting vote.
The board at a June 11 meeting voted to continue the matter to the June 25 meeting.
The proposed text amendments will add a definition for data center to the Mesa city code and modify the definition of indoor warehousing and storage. It will also modify land use tables to permit data centers as an accessory use in commercial and employment districts, as well as principal use in the general industrial and heavy industrial zoning districts.
“Over the past six years, we have had 15 data centers that have been approved or proposed within the city,” Mesa planner Rachel Phillips said at a study session prior to the meeting. “This is to address the unique characteristics of data centers.”
It will establish specific use standards for data centers, modify planned-area development overlay districts to allow land uses not otherwise permitted, and establish the conditions under which a waiver from the “data center laws” may be submitted.
“There are many variables to consider for future data center development including land use compatibility, land availability, utility demand and availability, residential impacts such as noise, low employment generation and broader sustainability concerns,” board documents stated. “Clear standards are essential to help the city manage these issues and guide responsible future development.”
The request was made by Mesa Development Services Director Nana Appiah, Planning Director Mary Kopaskie-Brown and Assistant Planning Director Rachel Phillips.
According to a board presentation, the amendments will help address a strategic balance with the development of future data centers that helps create sustainable growth and jobs for the community.
“We exist to enhance Mesa’s economy,” Mesa Economic Development Director Jaye O’Donnell said at the study session prior to the meeting. “We do this by assisting in creating high quality jobs for our community and promoting investment. The end goal is to increase prosperity.”
The seven-member Planning and Zoning Board conducts hearings and make recommendations to the City Council on requests for changes in zoning and on required site plans. It also considers and recommends changes in the city’s long-range plans and in the municipal code concerning planning and zoning matters. Members are appointed for staggered terms of three years.
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