Chandler, Ariz. Planning Mgr. – Letter regarding Data Center Noise 070822

Jul 8, 2022, at 12:58 PM

David De La Torre <David.DeLaTorre@chandleraz.gov> wrote:

I’m providing the following information regarding data centers in the City of Chandler, Arizona:

  • Data centers are not allowed by right in any zoning district
  • The City discourages new data centers for the following reasons:
    • An existing data center has been the source of a low hum that has generated noise complaints from nearby residents.  City staff worked with the data center to add noise mitigation, however, the noise issue has not completely gone away.
    • Data centers require a significant amount of water and/or electricity to cool the servers and to power the equipment.  In return, they provide minimal benefits to the City (see next bullet point)
    • Data centers are essentially warehouses for computer servers.  They do not generate significant tax revenue or high wage jobs.

I hope this information is helpful.

David de la Torre, AICP

Planning Manager

Development Services Department, Planning Division

Phone: 480-782-3059