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Committee approves referral to study data‑center siting, citing water, electrical and fire‑safety concerns
Summary
Committee members voted to send a CCR asking staff to examine the city’s authority to regulate data centers — including water and power impacts, code changes and partnerships with utilities — to Planning & Development for further study and stakeholder outreach.
The Committee on Governance voted Dec. 11 to refer a request to study planning and regulatory responses for data centers to the Planning & Development committee, after members and residents raised concerns about water consumption, electricity demand and community impacts.
Resident Peter Vela told the committee he had “preocupaciones” about rapid data‑center growth, its environmental footprint and the potential for higher utility rates for residents. Multiple speakers during public comment cited high water and energy use at large data centers and urged transparent siting rules and community engagement.
Staff (Samín Tomás, Director of Development Services) described the CCR submitted Oct. 21, 2025, which asks staff to review the city’s regulatory authority, relevant state laws, impacts to water and electricity systems, and potential code amendments. Staff recommended coordinated study with municipal utilities and other stakeholders and presentation of recommendations to the Planning & Development Committee (PCDC).
Council members noted the need to evaluate pipeline and utility infrastructure extensions, training for first responders, and the potential for rate impacts if significant system expansions are required. The committee moved and approved sending the CCR to PCDC and to schedule public sessions to review facts and myths about data‑center impacts.
Committee members asked staff to coordinate with CPS and other utilities, include independent technical analysis of water and power demands, and return with proposed code amendments and stakeholder engagement plans.
