Mohave supervisors adopt zoning changes to subject data centers to case-by-case review

The Mohave County Board of Supervisors on Dec. 1 approved changes to the county zoning ordinance that define 'data center' and require any proposed facility to seek a special-use permit in industrial zones rather than being allowed outright. The change moves review of proposed data centers to a case-by-case process that will require applicants to show how they will meet power and water demands and obtain planning commission and board approval.

The decision followed a public hearing in which local residents and stakeholders weighed in on resource concerns. Scottie McClure, a Bullhead City resident, told the board he was worried about water use and energy demand from data centers. Jerry Hardy of Mojave Electric Cooperative said his utility stands ready to work with applicants and that, depending on size, utilities might require sites to provide their own power. Kathy Tackett Hicks, speaking for the Entrada development, said Entrada holds a 100-year ADWR water adequacy approval and that the Entrada site is industrially zoned and has contractual arrangements for outside power supply.

Director Holtry told the board staff found no current explicit reference to data centers in the zoning code and recommended adding a definition and a permit path so staff and elected leaders can evaluate individual proposals. Supervisors raised location-specific concerns, especially in basins with limited water; supervisors said the SUP process would allow denial of proposals in basins where impacts were unacceptable. Supervisor Martin and others noted one existing site-plan application will proceed under the prior rules because it is already in review.

The board approved the ordinance amendment by voice vote. Under the amendment, any future data center applications will be routed through the planning commission and then to the board with findings required on utilities and environmental impacts. Supporters emphasized the economic opportunity of attracting data centers while opponents urged strict scrutiny of water and power demands. The measure takes effect per the county's ordinance-adoption procedures and will apply to new applications going forward.

The board did not take a specific vote on any pending site plan at this meeting; staff said existing pending applications remain under previously filed processes and may require separate review.