Tuesday, October 27, 2026

Oro Valley Planning & Zoning Commission — What to Watch

Tuesday, October 27, 2026

Planning & Zoning Commission Special Session

Oro Valley Planning Commission to Weigh Data Center Zoning Rules

Oro Valley's Planning and Zoning Commission will hold a public hearing Tuesday on new zoning rules governing data centers, a recommendation that will help decide whether and where the power- and water-hungry facilities can locate in town. The commission will also approve minutes from its Oct. 6 meeting and hear an informational planning update from town staff at the special session, which begins at or after 6 p.m. in Council Chambers, 11000 N. La Cañada Drive.

Oro Valley drafts rules for data centers, and residents can weigh in

Item 2 – Public hearing (not on consent agenda)

The commission will consider amendments to four chapters of the town zoning code (Chapters 23, 25, 27 and 31) that deal specifically with data centers. These are the large server facilities that power cloud computing and artificial intelligence. Data centers can use large amounts of electricity and, depending on how they are cooled, significant amounts of water. That makes the rules a direct test of Oro Valley's priorities on water sustainability as Colorado River cuts squeeze Central Arizona Project supplies. Their large buildings and around-the-clock mechanical equipment also raise questions about how they fit with the town's desert character and nearby neighborhoods.

The commission's vote is a recommendation. The Town Council makes the final decision. Because this is a formal public hearing, residents can:

- Speak in person by filling out a blue speaker card at the meeting. - Speak remotely via Zoom by registering through the town's online speaker form at least 24 hours before the meeting. - Submit written comments by email to Recording Secretary Jeanna Ancona at jancona@orovalleyaz.gov.

Speakers are limited to three minutes.

Staff to brief commissioners on planning activity

Planning Update – Informational only (no vote)

Town planning staff will give commissioners an update on planning matters. No action will be taken. Updates like this often preview projects and code changes headed to the commission in coming months, giving residents an early look at what may be on the way.

Source: Town of Oro Valley Agendas

This preview was generated automatically by Claude Opus 5.5 from the Town of Oro Valley's published council agenda, and published at 8:01 AM MST on October 21, 2026 without human review. Read more about how this is made.