Town Clarifies Data Center Review Process and Development Standards
Published on June 29, 2026
MARANA, AZ – As interest in data center development grows across Southern Arizona, the Town of Marana is providing additional information about how data center proposals are reviewed and regulated within the community.
Background
Recognizing the emerging demand for data center development and anticipating future project applications, the Town proactively adopted Ordinance No. 2024.029 in December 2024, ensuring all large hyperscale data center project proposals would be subjected to clear standards and a public review process.
The ordinance was developed through an extensive year-long process that included staff research, a Town Council Retreat presentation in February 2024, a Town Council study session in May 2024 followed by a 45-day public comment period on the draft ordinance, a public hearing before the Planning Commission in October 2024, and a public hearing before the Town Council in December 2024.
After the data center ordinance was approved, Town staff then held three public meetings throughout the community in 2025 to educate residents on the ordinance, all of which were well attended.
To staff knowledge, this ordinance made Marana the first community in Arizona to establish specific regulations for data centers prior to receiving any project applications.
“I am proud of the diligence and professionalism our staff have brought to this issue," said Town Manager Terry Rozema. "Long before any applications were submitted, our team spent considerable time researching the industry, studying potential impacts, and developing standards that reflect the values of our community. That work ensures every proposal receives a thorough review before any decisions are made."
The ordinance established requirements related to project review, site design, noise mitigation, utility infrastructure, and compatibility with surrounding land uses, with the intention of providing transparency for residents and protections for the community as the industry continues to evolve.
Data Center Approval is a Public Process
Unlike many communities where data centers can be approved through existing industrial or heavy commercial zoning, data centers are not automatically permitted in Marana.
Any property owner or developer seeking to develop a data center as a principal use (i.e., as the primary or predominant use of any lot or parcel) must complete a Specific Plan rezoning process. This process includes reviews by Town staff, public hearings before the Planning Commission, and final consideration by the Town Council during public meetings.
Because large hyperscale data centers are not a permitted use within Marana's standard zoning districts, they cannot be approved administratively.
Data Center Standards
Marana's ordinance establishes requirements in several key areas:
Design and Appearance
- Buildings must be designed to fit into the surrounding area.
- Equipment and utility areas must be screened from public view.
- Landscaping is required around the site.
- Buildings must meet height limits and be set back 400 feet from nearby residential properties.
Noise
- Developers must hire an independent expert to study expected noise levels.
- Data centers must meet day and night noise limits.
- Noise levels must be monitored after the facility opens.
- If noise exceeds Town standards, the operator must fix the problem.
Utilities
- Developers must show there is enough power available to serve the site.
- Backup generators may only be used in emergencies or limited testing.
- Developers must secure their own water source for cooling systems, as Marana Water does not provide drinking water for data center cooling.
Like every business operating within Marana, data centers must comply with all applicable Town codes and regulations.
The Development Review Process
The Town is required to review all development applications submitted for consideration. The appearance of a data center project on the Marana Development Projects & Activities Dashboard does not indicate final Town Council approval. It indicates only that the Town has received an application from a property owner or developer.
When a data center application is submitted to the Town, it enters the review process through the Development Services Department. Staff from multiple departments evaluate the proposal not only for compliance with the data center ordinance, including utility requirements, design standards, and noise regulations, but also for compliance with other applicable development criteria.
Once an application is complete and all staff comments have been addressed, the project may advance to the next stage of review.
One development project with a data center has been added to the Marana Development Projects & Activities Dashboard; the Ranch House SP Major Amendment, submitted on November 25, 2025. Its inclusion on the dashboard reflects that the application is in the review process. This project has not yet met all applicable requirements necessary to move forward for consideration by the Planning Commission and Town Council.
Once a project enters the public review process, it will also be added under “Active Projects” on the Data Centers webpage, and residents will be notified of Public Hearing Notices on the Public Notices webpage.
Looking Ahead
The Town of Marana is not actively recruiting data centers. However, any proposal submitted to the Town will be reviewed under the established data center ordinance and the Town’s Land Development Code, and must comply with all applicable requirements before receiving consideration for approval.
As the data center industry continues to evolve, the Town remains committed to reviewing its ordinance to ensure Marana’s regulations reflect current research, emerging best practices, and the needs of the community.
Residents interested in learning more about data centers, active projects, and Marana's regulations can visit the Town's Data Center Information Page at www.MaranaAZ.gov/data-centers.