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Flagstaff continues data‑center zoning hearing to May 5 after residents warn of water, energy and community impacts
Summary
Council continued the public hearing on a zoning‑code text amendment addressing data centers to May 5 and scheduled an April 21 staff presentation. Speakers urged public involvement and asked the city to require rezonings so residents could vet impacts such as high water use, noise and energy demand.
Council opened a public hearing April 7 on a proposed text amendment intended to address potential negative effects of data‑center construction (water consumption, electricity demand, and ongoing noise). Staff explained the amendment's goal is to protect the community by requiring clearer land‑use review and permitting steps for data‑center uses.
Multiple public commenters expressed strong opposition or concern. A speaker who identified only as River urged postponement and called for a ban, saying the city should ask “what does a data center want and what does Flagstaff need?” Another commenter, Haley Harōm (youth coordinator for a local engagement organization), said data centers carry significant water and energy demands and that rezoning petitions should require robust community input. After hearing public comment, the council continued the hearing to May 5 and scheduled a comprehensive staff presentation on April 21 to answer technical questions.
What's next: Staff will present a detailed briefing April 21 to field council questions; the public hearing resumes May 5 for full deliberation.
