New data center rules in Marana head to the town council | Local News

MARANA, Ariz. (KVOA) — Marana is moving forward with plans to tighten regulations on data centers, despite pushback from some community members who want even stronger restrictions.

The Marana Planning Commission voted unanimously Wednesday to recommend new requirements addressing noise levels and decommissioning processes for the facilities. A few members of the public left in anger following the 7-0 vote, shouting as they left the meeting. 

Prior to the vote, several public speakers expressed frustration over the town’s handling of data centers. Councilmember-elect Jackie McGuire urged the town to implement even more regulations, such as limiting how many hours backup generators can operate.

“I think it (the code amendment) is meaningful in addressing two of the several dozen issues we are facing,” McGuire told reporters.

The proposed code amendments target noise limits and establish a formal process for shutting down a data center.

While Marana currently regulates audible noise from these facilities, the new rules would restrict low-frequency sounds that people cannot hear but can physically feel.

When residential or mixed-use property is affected, the town is looking to cap those types of sound levels at 70 dBC during the day or during intermittent data center operations. That maximum level allowed would drop to 65 dBC for nighttime or 24/7 data center operation.

Additionally, the amendment to Marana’s development code would require data centers to complete the decommissioning of data centers within 12 months. However, operators could request extensions.

The town could demand that process include at a minimum, removing equipment, disposal of hazardous material and securing the site, among other requirements.

Marana is looking to require “financial assurances” from developers to ensure data centers abide by its different decommission standards.

“At the time that a development plan for a site is submitted the applicant will have to also provide us with financial assurances. They can take the form of surety bonds, letters of credit, trust funds or other mechanisms acceptable to the town,” Jane Fairall, the town attorney, explained.

Planning Commission Vice Chair John Flint credited Marana staff for building upon the original data center regulations to protect the community.

“We’re coming back as we learn things to enhance safeguards in the ordinance, and I think decommission speaks volumes to that,” Flint said.

The proposed regulations will now head to the Marana Town Council for final consideration. A public hearing is scheduled for Oct. 20. The council could vote on the proposed regulations that same day.