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Staff flags data centers as allowed use, recommends study during future code updates
Summary
Planning staff told commissioners that existing code currently permits data centers in several industrial and commercial zones and recommended adding data centers, water availability and River District integration to the future work program for study and possible code conditions.
Planning staff briefed the commission on how data centers are treated in the city's development code and suggested adding the topic to the department's work program for future study.
Staff explained the city's current code includes a use category covering data communication and remote data processing and said, "It's allowed in the M2, C1, C2, and industrial use, industrial zones outright." The planner noted there are no additional conditions now tied to the use and proposed adding data centers to a future work program list so the commission can study possible limitations or conditions later.
Commissioners urged caution, noting that data centers can have significant implications for water, energy and local infrastructure; staff said they would keep the item on the list for analysis during the scheduled 2027 code amendment cycle. The commission agreed it was appropriate to review potential limited-use standards or conditions if members decide additional safeguards are needed.
Why it matters: Data centers can drive local demand for power and water and often prompt policy choices about siting and conditions. Staff’s recommendation to study the use during a structured code-update process gives the commission time to weigh infrastructure and compatibility issues before adopting new local limits or requirements.
Staff will track data centers as a work-program item and return with analysis as part of the planned development-code update process.
