Stand-Alone Data Centers Banned in Tacoma

A new interpretation of Tacoma’s zoning code clarifies that stand-alone data centers cannot be permitted under current regulations.

In a joint statement released this week, Tacoma City Councilmember Latasha Palmer and Olgy Diaz said local communities have raised concerns about the rapid development of stand-alone data centers, citing potential impacts and increased utility costs.

“Many communities across the country are expressing concern about the development of new independent data centers – and some are outright rejecting them – due to the real and potential impacts on amenities, local infrastructure, neighborhood noise levels, jobs, and many other issues,” said the council members in a statement. “We hear these same concerns echoed by Tacoma residents as well.”

In light of these concerns, the city’s planning and development services department issued a new interpretation pursuant to the Tacoma Municipal Code, clarifying that single data centers are not permitted under Tacoma’s existing zoning code.