Staff: City Council added prohibition on large data centers to recently adopted AMC 2040

City staff informed commissioners that City Council's recent adoption of AMC 2040 included a provision prohibiting large data centers within Arlington city limits, while exempting smaller server facilities used as accessories to businesses or public facilities.

A staff member reported that "with the adoption of 20 AMC 2040 last night... there was an addition of adding data centers as prohibited," and clarified that the council's language targets larger facilities with specific technical thresholds; small facilities used to support a police station, hospital, or departmental operations remain allowed.

Why it matters: Prohibiting large data centers could alter development interest for large-scale server facilities and affects how staff and applicants will interpret future proposals. Staff said specifications and technical language define the distinction between prohibited large facilities and allowed small accessory facilities; the transcript does not provide the specific size or technical thresholds.

Staff noted that the change was a City Council addition made after the commission last reviewed the chapter. Commissioners recorded no public comments and no formal action was required by the commission on this update. The commission also noted scheduling items, including that it will not meet in July and that one commissioner will be absent for the August in-person hearing but will attend the August workshop.

Next steps: Staff and applicants should consult the adopted AMC 2040 language at City Council for the precise technical definitions; the commission will resume meetings in August.