Maricopa County AZ Modernized Zoning Ordinance

Maricopa County AZ Modernized Zoning Ordinance — First Data Center Use Category
Maricopa County, AZ · Maricopa County Zoning Ordinance update unanimously adopted 2025-12-10; effective 2026-01-09

Status
In effect
Took effect
January 9, 2026
Applies to
Data-center developers and operators seeking permits, rezonings, or approvals in Maricopa County, AZ
Enforced by
Maricopa County, AZ government

On December 10, 2025, the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to approve a comprehensive modernized Zoning Ordinance, effective January 9, 2026. The ordinance defines data centers in Maricopa County zoning for the first time and limits them to two industrial districts: IND-2 (general industrial) and IND-3 (heavy industrial). Land not currently zoned for data centers must go through the county's rezoning process. The update was the first comprehensive revision of the zoning ordinance in decades and followed a nearly six-month stakeholder process with over 160 participants and an online public survey.

Who is protected: Maricopa County, AZ residents

Legal detail

Maricopa County Zoning Ordinance update unanimously adopted 2025-12-10; effective 2026-01-09. Data centers permitted only in IND-2 and IND-3. Six-month public process; first comprehensive ZO update in decades.

Key facts

JurisdictionMaricopa County, AZ
LevelCounty
StrengthModerate
EnactedDecember 10, 2025
CitationMaricopa County Zoning Ordinance update unanimously adopted 2025-12-10; effective 2026-01-09
Topicsdata-center siting and energy
Agency pageBoard Approves Modernized Zoning Ordinance — Maricopa County, AZ

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