“Many communities nationwide are expressing alarm over—and some are outright rejecting—the development of new stand-alone data centers due to real and potential impacts on utilities, local infrastructure, neighborhood noise levels, jobs, and many other issues. We are hearing these same concerns echoed by residents in Tacoma.
Considering these concerns, we are very pleased that our Planning and Development Services Department has released a new Director’s Interpretation pursuant to Tacoma Municipal Code 13.05.080.A.1. This Director’s Interpretation clarifies that stand-alone data centers cannot be permitted under Tacoma’s existing zoning code.
There is a lot to learn about the large stand-alone data centers that draw tens or hundreds of megawatts of electrical power, including not just how these facilities might harm neighborhoods but also the potential benefits they could advance for cities. As communities across Washington state and the country continue to learn more, the City Council can look to its Planning Commission to begin assisting with a comprehensive code amendment if needed. For now, we are pleased that the City is prioritizing the health and well-being of our residents as we navigate this evolution of stand-alone data centers.”