Challenge
A developer needed to evaluate permitting and political feasibility for five potential sites for data center campuses with co-located energy generation and battery storage.
What Clara Did
Clara analyzed more than 1,500 documents, including zoning and comprehensive plans, data center and large industrial use rules, power and substation siting standards, on site generation and battery storage regulations, staff reports, prior data center and energy facility applications, Planning Commission and City Council agendas and minutes, and public comments.
Key insights delivered
- Identified which zoning and special-use pathways were most likely to allow a data center campus at the proposed sites
- Flagged the specific issues that had triggered opposition in similar cases
- Mapped which planning commissioners and council members had historically supported or opposed comparable developments
Outcome
- The developer ruled out two parcels that appeared viable on paper but had a high risk of denial based on precedent
- Project design was adjusted early to avoid the conditions that had derailed prior data center and energy proposals
- Improved hit rate of land acquisitions that make it to construction
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