Cochise County AZ Ordinance 26-09 (Data Center Standards)
Cochise County, AZ Ordinance 26-09 — Data Center Special Use Authorization Standards
Cochise County, AZ · Cochise County, Ariz., Ordinance No. 26-09 (adopted April 7, 2026)
- Status
- In effect
- Took effect
- April 7, 2026
- Applies to
- Data center developers in Cochise County seeking land use approvals
- Enforced by
- Cochise County Planning and Zoning Commission; Board of Supervisors
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.
Who is protected: Cochise County residents, agricultural users, and existing utility customers
Legal 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.
Key facts
| Jurisdiction | Cochise County, AZ |
|---|---|
| Level | County |
| Strength | Moderate |
| Enacted | April 7, 2026 |
| Citation | Cochise County, Ariz., Ordinance No. 26-09 (adopted April 7, 2026) |
| Topics | data-center siting and energy |
| Agency page | Cochise County Establishes Clear Standards for Data Centers — Cochise County official newsflash |
Related data-center siting and energy rules elsewhere
- Superior WI Data Center Moratorium (1-year) · In effect
- Dane County WI Hyperscale Data Center Moratorium · In effect
- Madison WI Data Center Moratorium (1-year) · In effect
- Manitowoc County WI Data Center Moratorium · In effect
- WA SB 5982 (Data Center / Clean Energy) · In effect
- Dayton OH data center moratorium (180-day, Apr 2026) · In effect
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