Town moves to set standards ahead of projects
The Gilbert Planning Commission began the conversation this week about new rules that would govern where and how data centers could be built in town — a proactive step town leaders say is meant to prevent problems before they arise. Town staff told commissioners no applications for data center projects have been received, but officials want clear standards in place should developers seek to build here.
Staff said it examined practices from other communities and toured operating data centers while drafting the proposed guidelines. The measures discussed include limits on location, minimum distances from homes and a ban on using Gilbert’s drinking water for cooling systems.
Why it matters: Data centers support everyday digital life — from phones and video calls to connected homes and vehicles — and the growth of artificial intelligence is increasing demand for that computing capacity. Local rules will determine where that infrastructure lands, how it affects neighborhoods and what resources it can use.
What town staff proposed
- Zoning: Allow data centers only in industrial zoning districts.
- Residential buffer: Require data centers to be at least 650 feet from residentially zoned properties.
- Water use: Prohibit use of the town’s drinking water for data center cooling systems.
| Proposed rule | Key detail |
|---|---|
| Zoning restriction | Industrial districts only |
| Minimum setback | 650 feet from residential zoning |
| Cooling water | No town drinking water for cooling |
During the meeting, a town planner described the approach as drawing from what other municipalities have learned.
“I think it's a combination of a few things from those local communities that they've learned from, and we're just trying to get on top of those, so we're not learning those lessons later,”the planner said.
Local context and broader trends
Gilbert officials framed the discussion as planning for future demand rather than responding to a current development application. That preemptive stance reflects a trend across Arizona and nationwide, where cities and towns are wrestling with how to balance economic opportunity from data center investment against infrastructure, environmental and neighborhood concerns.
Steven Zylstra, president and CEO of the Arizona Technology Council, reminded listeners that data centers are integral to daily life.
“And we don't function without data centers. Your smart house, your smart car, your phone, this Zoom call all require data centers to operate. It's the infrastructure of the digital age.”
The planning commission did not vote on the proposed standards Wednesday. Town staff will revise the draft using the feedback and bring the rules back for a formal hearing at a later date.
What Gilbert residents should watch for: how the town balances industrial growth with neighborhood protection, any changes in water policy tied to cooling technologies, and the timing of any formal hearings or permit applications from developers.
