Anchorage Assembly reviews ordinance to define and limit where data centers can be built

The Anchorage Assembly on Feb. 27 reviewed Ordinance O-2026-27, a work-session presentation that would add a distinct 'data center' land-use category to Title 21 and require conditional-use review for energy-intensive facilities.

Sponsor remarks framed the measure as proactive zoning: "This is co-sponsored by myself and member Bolland," the presenter said, explaining the goal is to "clarify the land use review process for data centers" and to ask planning staff to develop use-specific criteria for energy-intensive uses. The draft ordinance would allow data centers in industrial zones, at the port, the airport and in POI districts, and would not permit them in residential zones.

Why it matters: presenters said data centers can differ widely in size and impacts — from small 'edge' facilities co-located with other infrastructure to hyperscale warehouses — and can be unusually energy- and water-intensive. "One of these buildings basically can use as much electricity as 100,000 households or more," the sponsor said while noting Anchorage…