Mesa, AZ Data Centers & Crypto Mining: Data Center Zoning & Siting (2026)

Mesa previously reviewed data centers as "Indoor Warehousing and Storage." Ordinance No. 5957 replaced that interpretation, adding Section 11-31-36. A principal-use data center is not allowed by right; it is designated "SE" in GI (M-2) and HI districts and requires a Council-approved PAD Overlay. Light Industrial (LI/M-1) and Planned Employment Park (PEP) do not permit principal data centers. Section 11-31-36 imposes a 400-foot separation from residential, a 60-foot maximum height, all-sided architecture, glazing, and screening of mechanical equipment and ground-mounted substation gear. Applications require an operational plan, good-neighbor policy, water/thermal-management report, wastewater report, energy-service report, and an initial sound study. Data centers approved before the effective date are legal conforming uses; Eastmark is exempt from Section 11-31-36.