If you live near any of Gilbert, AZ’s light or general industrial areas, draft rules moving through Town Hall would set unusually large setbacks and detailed operating requirements for data centers—covering everything from noise monitoring to water use to generator testing notices.
According to the draft ordinance, data centers would only be permitted in Light Industrial and General Industrial zones. No developer could use a Planned Area Development overlay to work around those standards. The Planning Commission held a study session on the proposal; no formal vote was taken, and commissioners were asked only to provide feedback.
The most neighbor-relevant rule is the setback requirement: every building, generator, cooling unit, transformer, and battery cabinet must sit at least 650 feet from any residentially zoned property…