Data Centers

A data center is a facility used primarily for the storage, management, processing, and transmission of digital data, which houses computer or network equipment, systems, servers, appliances, and other associated components related to digital data operations.

Examples of such digital data include, but are not limited to, computationally-intensive applications such as blockchain technology, cryptocurrency mining, weather modeling, and genome sequencing. The facility may also include air handlers, power generators, water cooling and storage facilities, utility substations, and other associated utility infrastructure to support sustained operations at the data center.

Currently, there are no large-scale data centers in Southern Arizona. With a regional population of more than one million and growing demand for digital infrastructure, the need for such facilities is increasing. Whether in Marana or another part of Southern Arizona, it’s likely that data centers will be developed in the future.

Building a data center in Marana isn’t as simple as putting up a building, it requires a rezoning process, utility studies, and compliance with strict design and noise standards to protect nearby neighborhoods.

In December 2024, Town Council approved Ordinance No. 2024.029, which clarified approval requirements for data centers in Marana. 

View the Data Center Ordinance document(PDF, 13MB)

View Title 17 of the Marana Town Code

Rezoning through a Specific Plan

Data centers are not automatically allowed in Marana. A company that wants to build one must go through a Specific Plan rezoning, which includes reviews by Town staff, the Planning Commission, and the Town Council at public meetings.

Large data centers can only be approved this way — they are not a permitted use in any standard zoning district. 

Accessory Data Centers

Smaller, “in-house” data centers are allowed in certain industrial areas, but only under strict limits:

• They can’t take up more than 15% of the site.
• They must serve only the business located on that property — not outside customers.
• They must meet the same design, noise, and screening standards as larger centers.

Ordinance No. 2024.029 includes both Site and Building Design standards, as well as Appearance and Scale standards that any data center in Marana must comply with. These standards include, but are not limited to the following:

Site and Building Design

• Buildings must face main roads, with entrances visible from the street. Loading docks and service areas cannot face public roads.
• Generators may only be used in emergencies or during limited weekday testing, and must meet the cleanest available standards (Tier IV or newer if diesel).
• Equipment and substations must be screened with landscaping, solid walls, or other visually solid barriers — chain-link fencing with slats is not allowed.
• Setback must be at least 400 feet from the property line of any adjacent property planned or zoned for residential land uses, and at least 100 feet from the property line of any adjacent property that is planned or zoned for any use other than residential or industrial uses.

Appearance and Scale

• Building height is limited to 55 feet, with an additional 10 feet allowed for screened rooftop equipment.
• Designs must avoid flat, blank walls by including features such as windows, recesses, varied rooflines, or architectural elements.
• Principal facades facing roads or neighborhoods must include materials, textures, or colors that create visual interest.
• Exterior colors must be neutral, with accents that complement the overall design. Materials must emphasize durability and quality, with a maximum of three primary materials to avoid a “patchwork” look.
• Each building must include at least five architectural features (such as canopies, overhangs, projections, or tower elements) to improve appearance and pedestrian experience.

Noise Control

• Developers must hire an independent acoustic engineer to complete a noise study and map expected sound levels.
• Once operational, data centers must meet specified day-time and night-time sound limits to protect nearby residents.
• Data center operators must provide annual noise reports for five years after opening, and additional studies if requested by the Town. If they fail to meet standards, the data center operator must take appropriate steps to achieve the required sound mitigation. 

Power Supply

• Developers must show documentation from the utility provider that enough electrical power exists to serve the site now and in the future.
• Only Tier IV or newer diesel generators are allowed and may only be used as an emergency backup source of power.

Water Supply

• Marana Water will not supply potable (drinking) water to data centers for their cooling systems.
• Developers must show documentation of securing an alternate water source for cooling, humidity control, and similar operations.