Dirt to Development

Author: Withey Morris

We've got a dirty secret. Quite a few actually, and you will only hear them on our new podcast called Dirt to Development. We give you a behind-the-scenes look at key development projects and the insane stories surrounding them. Stay tuned to listen to all the dirt on land use, development, and the inside politics of Arizona!
Be a guest on this podcast

Language: en

Genres: Business, Management, News, Politics

Contact email: Get it

Feed URL: Get it

iTunes ID: Get it

Get all podcast data

Listen Now...

Ep. 74 - Watt’s the Deal with Data Center Zoning?
Tuesday, 7 April, 2026

Data centers may be the backbone of the digital economy, but getting them approved on the ground is anything but seamless. In this episode, we unpack the growing tension between surging demand for data infrastructure and the realities of local zoning and land use regulation—where megawatts meet municipal code.From intensive utility demands and transmission constraints to water usage concerns, noise, and community skepticism, data center projects often face a uniquely complex entitlement path. We explore why jurisdictions are grappling with how to classify and regulate these facilities, and how outdated zoning frameworks struggle to keep pace with hyperscale development.We also dig into the politics: why neighbors push back, how elected officials respond, and what it takes to position a project as compatible—even beneficial—to the surrounding community. Along the way, we break down practical strategies for navigating rezoning, securing use permits, and building a defensible record that can withstand scrutiny.Whether you’re a developer, land use attorney, planner, or policymaker, this episode offers a candid look at the friction points—and opportunities—shaping the future of data center siting.