DIS- 9146
Items For Discussion 1.
Work Session Board of Supervisors - 2:00 pm
Board of Supervisors
- Meeting Date:
- 02/11/2026
- Title:
- Solar Energy Power Plants (SEPPs) and Data Centers
- Submitted By:
- Lara Loewenheim, Board of Supervisors
- Department:
- Board of Supervisors
Presentation:
PowerPoint
Recommendation:
Document Signatures:
# of ORIGINALS
Submitted for Signature:
Submitted for Signature:
NAME
of PRESENTER:
of PRESENTER:
Christine McLachlan
TITLE
of PRESENTER:
of PRESENTER:
Development Services Director
Mandated Function?:
Source of Mandate
or Basis for Support?:
or Basis for Support?:
Information
Agenda Item Text:
Discussion and possible direction regarding Solar Energy Power Plants (SEPPs) in Cochise County at 2:00 p.m., followed by discussion and possible direction regarding Data Centers in Cochise County at 3:00 p.m.
Background:
This first work session is at the request of the Board of Supervisors to present an overview of solar energy power plants (SEPPs) and the County’s current regulatory framework. It will be held jointly with the Planning Commission. SEPPs are primarily regulated at the local level through County zoning and applicable building and safety codes; depending on project scale and location, additional review or permitting may involve Emergency Management, ADEQ, the Department of Defense, Arizona Game and Fish, and other state or federal agencies. Staff will summarize existing zoning and building requirements, outline common benefits and tradeoffs of solar projects, and share best practices that can improve safety, strengthen permitting clarity and enforcement, and reduce County risk and financial liability. Staff will also review existing and entitled projects and conclude with policy questions and options for Commission and Board direction. The purpose is informational only and intended to support fair, consistent, best-practice administration of County regulations applicable to SEPPs and to inform future Commission/Board direction.
The second work session is at the request of the Planning and Zoning Commission. Cochise County is evaluating updates to its zoning regulations in response to the rapid growth of large-scale data centers across Arizona. As cloud computing and artificial intelligence drive demand, these data center projects are expanding into new regions and often present major impacts on power supply, water use, and fire safety—along with community concerns about noise, visual character, emergency response, and environmental effects. The county is considering regulatory changes now because current zoning rules do not clearly address data centers as a defined land use, and oversight at the state level is limited—meaning local zoning is the primary way to manage where and how these facilities can develop. By updating regulations before specific proposals arrive, we can create clear standards that protect infrastructure capacity and public resources, provide predictable expectations for applicants, and ensure local decision-making remains strong. During the January 14, 2026 Planning and Zoning Commission meeting, staff presented background information, zoning comparisons, and potential amendment options to gather feedback and direction prior to drafting formal changes. During the February 11, 2026 staff will provide a presentation that summaizes that presentation but also includes an explanation of specific proposed additions to the Zoning Regulations, which will be attached to the agenda.
The second work session is at the request of the Planning and Zoning Commission. Cochise County is evaluating updates to its zoning regulations in response to the rapid growth of large-scale data centers across Arizona. As cloud computing and artificial intelligence drive demand, these data center projects are expanding into new regions and often present major impacts on power supply, water use, and fire safety—along with community concerns about noise, visual character, emergency response, and environmental effects. The county is considering regulatory changes now because current zoning rules do not clearly address data centers as a defined land use, and oversight at the state level is limited—meaning local zoning is the primary way to manage where and how these facilities can develop. By updating regulations before specific proposals arrive, we can create clear standards that protect infrastructure capacity and public resources, provide predictable expectations for applicants, and ensure local decision-making remains strong. During the January 14, 2026 Planning and Zoning Commission meeting, staff presented background information, zoning comparisons, and potential amendment options to gather feedback and direction prior to drafting formal changes. During the February 11, 2026 staff will provide a presentation that summaizes that presentation but also includes an explanation of specific proposed additions to the Zoning Regulations, which will be attached to the agenda.
Department's Next Steps (if approved):
n/a
Impact of NOT Approving/Alternatives:
n/a
To BOS Staff: Document Disposition/Follow-Up:
n/a