Legislation Details

File #: ROGC 26-232    Version: 1
Type: Rules Committee Reviews, Recommendations and Approvals Status: Agenda Ready
File created: 5/19/2026 In control: Joint Meeting for the Rules and Open Government Committee and Committee of the Whole
On agenda: 5/27/2026 Final action:
Title: Data Center Uniform Standards. (Mayor, Candelas, Cohen, and Ortiz)
Attachments: 1. Memorandum from Mayor, Candelas, Cohen, and Ortiz, 2. Letters from the Public

...Title

Data Center Uniform Standards. (Mayor, Candelas, Cohen, and Ortiz)

...Recommendations

 Direct the City Manager to:

1.  Establish a set of uniform standards and best practices for data center projects in the City of San José. These standards should build upon existing local and state environmental regulations and help mitigate potential impacts related to:                          

                     a.  Energy consumption and energy sourcing;

                     b.  Water usage, including strategies to reduce reliance on potable water through recycled water infrastructure, closed-loop systems, or other efficient technologies;

                     c.  Air quality, backup power generators; and

                     d.  Other environmental factors, including greenhouse gas emissions, noise, and water quality protections.

                     e.  The standards should also outline a clear and consistent process for community notification and engagement for new data center projects, building upon existing City outreach policies and processes (City Council Policy 6-30).

2.  Support statewide legislation like Senate Bill 887 that supports local jurisdictions in creating cleaner infrastructure for data center development, including but not limited to recycled water/purple pipe infrastructure, cleaner energy, transmission infrastructure, with the goals of lowering environmental impacts, protecting ratepayers, and expanding access to economic opportunities.