Cochise County, AZ Ordinance 26-09 — Data Center Special Use Authorization Standards

Cochise County, Arizona's Board of Supervisors voted 3-0 on April 7, 2026 to adopt Ordinance 26-09, the county's first regulatory framework for data centers. The ordinance defines data centers in county code for the first time and requires all facilities to obtain a Special Use Authorization in designated zoning districts. Applicants must submit noise impact analyses, water use plans, and proof that they will not adversely affect existing utility users; most uses of potable water for server cooling are prohibited.

Technical detail

Cochise County Ordinance 26-09 (BoS 3-0, April 7, 2026): defines 'data center' in county zoning code; requires Special Use Authorization for all data center facilities in permitted zoning districts; applicants must demonstrate noise impact, water use, and that power supply will not adversely affect existing users; prohibits potable water for cooling in most circumstances. No moratorium — regulation of prospective proposals. No active applications as of adoption date.

Who is protected: Cochise County residents, agricultural users, and existing utility customers

Who must comply: Data center developers in Cochise County seeking land use approvals

Key facts

Related data-center siting and energy rules elsewhere

• SB 484 (FL Data Center Costs) · In effect
• Maine Data Center Moratorium (vetoed) · Vetoed
• VA Data Center Siting Bill (Vetoed) · Vetoed
• VA Data Center Tax Exemption · In effect
• VA Data Center Cost-Allocation Law · In effect
• Texas SB 6 (Data Center Grid Law) · In effect