Setbacks
Local Interventions
Pass Zoning Ordinances and Municipal Code Amendments
A key vehicle to limit or restrict data center development is to update the municipal code, often including zoning requirements, usage requirements, and other siting decisions. Through these mechanisms, local governments can dictate where and how data centers can be constructed. Local governments can take one or multiple approaches, including the following:
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A key vehicle to limit or restrict data center development is to update the municipal code, often including zoning requirements, usage requirements, and other siting decisions. Through these mechanisms, local governments can dictate where and how data centers can be constructed. Local governments can take one or multiple approaches, including the following:
Establish Setback Requirements Parent = pass-zoning-ordinances-and-municipal-code-amendments
Cities should specify the minimum distances that data centers must be from property lines, streets, or specific types of areas (e.g., transit hubs). Landscape Setbacks Set minimum setback requirements for data centers. Minimum Viable example Phoenix, Arizona requires a 30-foot-wide perimeter landscape setback. Sidewalks Require data centers to build sidewalks over a minimum size and […]
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Cities should specify the minimum distances that data centers must be from property lines, streets, or specific types of areas (e.g., transit hubs).
Landscape Setbacks
Set minimum setback requirements for data centers.
Minimum Viable example
Phoenix, Arizona requires a 30-foot-wide perimeter landscape setback.
Sidewalks
Require data centers to build sidewalks over a minimum size and landscape strips with large canopy shade trees.
Distance from Residential Zones
If a city must permit data centers in a zoning district that abuts a residential zone, the city should require at the bare minimum 2,640 feet (one-half mile) between the data center and residential property line to minimize noise and air pollution.
Minimum Viable example
From Tempe, Arizona: “Data center buildings shall not be located within 500 feet of the property line of a site containing a residential use or a residential district.” Note: This is the strongest example among data center ordinances that have been passed, but is not sufficient to minimize harm.
Distance from Transit Hubs
Restrict data centers near transit hubs in order to prioritize mixed-use development such as employment centers, healthcare facilities, grocery stores, and meaningful community services. At least 2,640 feet (one-half mile) should be the floor.
Minimum Viable Example
In Atlanta, Georgia, data centers are prohibited from being built within 2,640 feet (one-half mile) from high-capacity transit stops.
Minimum Viable Example
In Phoenix, Arizona, data center development shall be no closer than 2,640 feet (one-half mile) from an approved high-capacity transit station.