The Physical Footprint of Artificial Intelligence (Zoning Practice October 2025)

The Physical Footprint of Artificial Intelligence

October 2025

This issue of Zoning Practice explores the physical effects of AI deployment and highlights core considerations for local planning and zoning. It begins with a summary of the land use characteristics of the system of data centers that host and serve contemporary AI models before highlighting noteworthy regulatory approaches and areas of opportunity for zoning updates and land use decision-making processes.

 

Zoning Practice analyzes trends and spotlights innovation in local land use and development regulation. It is a valuable digital resource for:

  • Planners and land use attorneys responsible for drafting or administering zoning and other land use and development regulations
  • Emerging professionals interested in learning more about plan implementation

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We are especially eager to hear from potential authors with expertise on the following topics:

  • Using zoning to advance equity, sustainability, and resilience objectives
  • Recent trends in small-town and rural area zoning
  • The effects of demographic or technological change on land use demand