Public Hearings 9.
Regular Board of Supervisors Meeting - 10:00 am
Development Services
- Meeting Date:
- 04/07/2026
- Title:
- R-26-01 (Data Centers)
- Submitted By:
- Christine McLachlan, Development Services
- Department:
- Development Services
Presentation:
PowerPoint
Recommendation:
Approve
Document Signatures:
BOS Signature Required
# of ORIGINALS
Submitted for Signature:
Submitted for Signature:
1
NAME
of PRESENTER:
of PRESENTER:
Christine McLachlan
TITLE
of PRESENTER:
of PRESENTER:
Development Services Director
Mandated Function?:
Not Mandated
Source of Mandate
or Basis for Support?:
or Basis for Support?:
Docket Number (If applicable):
R-26-01
Information
Agenda Item Text:
Approve Ordinance 26-09 amending the Cochise County Zoning Regulations to define “Data Center,” require Special Use Authorization in certain districts, and establish standards for their siting, development, and operation.
Background:
The item was presented for discussion at the January 14, 2026 Planning and Zoning Commission work session and the February 11, 2026 joint Board of Supervisors/Planning and Zoning Commission meeting to obtain feedback and direction. Based on that input, staff prepared a proposed ordinance for formal consideration. Cochise County is proactively preparing regulations in response to the rapid growth of data centers nationwide. The proposed ordinance establishes clear standards and application requirements prior to the receipt of any specific development proposals. The Planning and Zoning Commission considered this item during their regular March 11, 2026 meeting and recommended unanimous approval (9-0).
Department's Next Steps (if approved):
Amend the zoning regulations to include the changes of Exhibit A of the Ordinance.
Impact of NOT Approving/Alternatives:
If the zoning text amendment is not approved, the County’s regulations will remain unchanged, and there will be no definition or specific standards for data centers. As a result, the County would lack a clear regulatory framework to evaluate and address the potential impacts of such uses.
To BOS Staff: Document Disposition/Follow-Up:
Email a copy of the signed and recorded ordinance to Christine McLachlan