Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Chandler Rejects AI Data Center Rezoning After Lobbying Push

The decision underscores that local zoning governs data center siting despite new federal pressure.

Overview

  • The Chandler City Council voted 7-0 to deny rezoning for a 40-acre site sought by New York developer Active Infrastructure for a roughly 422,000-square-foot campus.
  • Residents packed the meeting to oppose the project, citing noise, power demand and water concerns, while city staff had advised against the change.
  • Former U.S. Sen. Kyrsten Sinema spoke for the AI Infrastructure Coalition in earlier hearings and warned of possible federal preemption, and a zoning board had recommended approval.
  • Maricopa County separately updated its ordinance to define data centers for the first time and limit them to certain industrial areas in unincorporated communities, according to Board Chair Thomas Galvin.
  • President Donald Trump signed an executive order targeting state AI regulations, but reporting indicates it does not override local land-use permitting for data center projects.