Photo Credit: US Signal
(GILBERT, Ariz.) – The Gilbert Town Council plans to hold a public hearing on Tuesday, October 20 at 6:30 p.m. at Town Hall. The hearing will allow residents to voice their concerns and opinions about data centers coming to the town.
The upcoming public hearing is intended as a way for the town to gauge how data centers would impact residents and utilities and water amid an ongoing water crisis in order to amend the Land Development Code with updated verbiage on data centers in general.
OpGov.News asked Gilbert Spokesperson Joanna Guzman why the town is considering regulations rather than an outright ban on data centers.
“The Town of Gilbert recognizes the need for data centers in this ever-growing digital world. At the same time, we know these facilities can require substantial water to operate, placing significant demands on already scarce critical water resources that our community relies on,” Guzman relayed in an official statement.
The statement verifies that there are currently no plans for a large-scale data center within town limits. However, that leaves the town open to future proposals without an outright ban.
“Although large-scale data centers are not identified in any of our targeted economic sectors, our goal with the Land Development Code text amendment is to ensure that we have appropriate regulations in place should one be proposed within our community. By proposing additional requirements for data center development, Gilbert is also protecting its long-term water supply and encouraging responsible development as the Colorado River continues to experience shortages,” Guzman iterated.
However, the town would consider restricting data centers to the use of reclaimed water, rather than relying on potable water for its cooling mechanisms. In the past, the town has outlined very basic guidelines for data centers, not considering an outright ban, but considering stricter regulations regarding their zoning and construction.
When asked whether data centers will need to meet the same groundwater requirements as any other new structure of a similar nature, Guzman responded, “Under the proposed amendments, a principal Data Center would submit a reclaimed water use application as part of the design review process with the Town.”
“In addition to the reclaimed water application, the Data Center would be subject to review under the Sustainable Water Allocation policy. In 2019, Gilbert adopted the policy to help manage high-water-use developments. If any project exceeds the base water allocation, regardless of source (potable or reclaimed), and doesn’t align with our key industry priorities, it must secure its own water supply. This helps protect resources for current and future residents.”
Regarding the town’s stance on balancing technology with community standards, Guzman offered a statement reflecting the town’s first major discussion involving the community surrounding data centers.
“We have carefully researched and analyzed 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.”
Her statement also included the acknowledgement of the town’s only existing data center, which is operated by US Signal.
“To date, Gilbert has not approved any data centers through the use permit process, though one data center has been in operation in Gilbert prior to the use permit requirement. Under the proposed revised code, data centers will only be allowed to operate in Gilbert if they meet all requirements and a Special Use Permit is approved by the Town,” she stated.
While the facility’s water use and expenditure are not publicly listed, the facility itself is sized around 14,000 total square feet, which is small to medium-sized compared across industry standards. However, cooling processes can vary significantly from one facility to another, so its power and water consumption may be more or less than would be expected for this type of facility.
Guzman also assured OpGov.News that there are no pending applications or even inquiries for more data centers, which is a concern for many Gilbert residents who plan to speak at the forum Tuesday night.
To add to or correct any information in this report, please contact me at teri@opgov.news. Comment below what you think about Gilbert’s approach to data centers.
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