The Data Center Divide
A policy snapshot ahead of the 2026 midterms. Mapping data center incentives, restrictions, and bans through legislation, regulations, and executive actions across all 50 states and 1,462 local jurisdictions.
City of Tempe
Anti-Data Center Policies
Tempe requires use-permit approval for new data centers in designated districts, keeps them 500 feet from residential buildings, and reviews economic impacts, adding siting hurdles without a total ban.
current law · City of TempeRestricts data centers to certain Tempe districts with a use permit, requires a 500-foot buffer from residential sites, enclosed generators, and an economic impact study, and requires a water-use plan for centers classified as extreme-water users.Tempe Ordinance O2025.23 — data-center zoning provisions
What this means
Restricts new data-center siting through use-permit approval in designated districts, a 500-foot residential building separation, and economic-impact study review, adding material siting and approval burdens without a total ban.
People behind it
- Corey D. Woods
Mayor; signs the adopted ordinance.
- Kara A. DeArrastia
City Clerk; attests the ordinance.
- Eric C. Anderson
City Attorney; approves the ordinance as to form.
Restrictions & requirementsHide restrictions & requirements3
Requires 500-foot residential separation.
Requires enclosed, ventilated generator buildings.
Requires an economic-impact study and, conditionally, an extreme-water-use water-use plan.
Benefits & exceptionsHide benefits & exceptions1
Provides an express approval pathway in MU-ED, GID and HID districts with a use permit.
Sources
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