Arlington clarifies code does not include data centers

Published 1:30 am Tuesday, June 23, 2026

EVERETT — The city of Arlington updated its municipal code June 15 to clarify data centers are prohibited within city limits.

During the city’s regular code review, city officials decided to add clear language to its land use code Chapter 20.40, Permissible Uses, which excludes data centers, spokesperson Mandy Kruger said in an email. The need for an explicit exclusion became clear after the public grew concerned a potential 1.2 million-square-foot development was an Amazon data center, she said.

In May, Amazon revealed the proposed development in Arlington and Marysville’s Cascade Industrial Center, known as Project Cascade, would be an operations facility and not a data center, but city residents still called for a complete ban so data centers couldn’t be built in the future.

“Data centers were not a permissible use under the city’s code as defined before this amendment,” City Administrator Paul Ellis said in an email. “Public feedback highlighted the need for clearer language, so a clear exclusion and definition were added to make that clear.”

During the meeting on June 15, the City Council also unanimously approved an interlocal agreement with Marysville for Project Cascade. The agreement outlines how the two cities would work together if the project — which may span city lines — is approved. This includes jurisdictional issues, permitting responsibilities and development standards.

“This ILA is not to approve Project Cascade or approve any permits,” said Thad Newport, Arlington’s development services engineering manager, during the June 15 meeting. “It’s just setting the working parameters for Marysville and Arlington to work together should Project Cascade want to submit for permits in the future.”

Taylor Scott Richmond: 425-339-3046; taylor.richmond@heraldnet.com; X: @BTayOkay