1 of 26
September 15, 2026, Item #11
DATE:
TO:
FROM:
CONTACT:
SUBJECT:
Summary:
AG EN DA REPORT City of Poway
September 15, 2026
Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
Steve Vaus, Mayor
[email protected]
Anita Edmondson, Councilmember
[email protected]
Steve Vaus, Mayor
[email protected]
Anita Edmondson, Councilmember
[email protected]
CITY COUNCIL
Amendment to Poway Municipal Code and South Poway Specific Plan to Prohibit Third Party Al Data Centers
At the July 21, 2026, City Council meeting, the City Council unanimously approved a proposal from Mayor Vaus and Councilmember Edmondson to direct staff to bring back an item banning large, third party data centers utilized for artificial intelligence ("Al") applications throughout the City. The purpose of this prohibition is the increasing evidence that these types of data centers use significant water and electricity and result in strain on water and electricity infrastructure, adverse impact on utility rates, air quality impacts, noise impacts, and fire risk. Al Data centers are largely automated, and lead to a lack of long-term, local jobs and economic growth provided when compared to traditional industrial, manufacturing and office uses.
Data center uses are currently not defined in the Poway Municipal Code (PMC), but the only potential location they may be currently permitted would be in the business park area, which is subject to the South Poway Specific Plan ("SPSP" or "Specific Plan"). Staff has prepared a proposed Ordinance (Attachment A) and Resolution (Attachment B), which would define a new term "Al Data Center," and ban that use City-wide generally, and specifically in the SPSP area, respectively. The Ordinance is an amendment to the PMC, and the Resolution is an amendment of the SPSP.
Recommended Action:
It is recommended the City Council: Introduce the Ordinance to amend the PMC for first reading by title only, waive further reading, and schedule the adoption of the Ordinance for the October 6, 2026 2 of 26
September 15, 2026, Item #11
Regular City Council meeting; and adopt the Resolution to amend the SPSP to add "Al Data Center" as a specifically defined use that will be prohibited.
Discussion:
Data centers have been proliferating over the last several years, with the dramatic increase in use of Al applications. The focus of this item is third party data centers, which are generally large facilities that host data for offsite operations, as opposed to data storage for onsite use or as an ancillary use for a different use (i.e., a business storing its own data). These types of third-party Al data centers have come under scrutiny nationwide for their negative impacts, which include significant water and electricity use, and resulting strain on water and electricity infrastructure, potential adverse impact on utility rates, air quality impacts, noise impacts, and fire risks. Additionally, Al Data Centers are largely automated, and while they may result in temporary construction jobs, there is a lack of local, long term jobs and economic growth provided when compared to traditional industrial, manufacturing and office uses that would otherwise be permitted in the City's commercial areas, specifically including the SPSP area (the business park).
For the purposes of the proposed prohibition, the prohibited use "Al Data Center" is defined as follows:
"Al Data Center" shall mean a use that has the principal purpose of housing computer servers that utilize high-density clusters of specialized accelerators like Graphics Processing Units (GPUs) and Tensor Processing Units (TPUs), and any associated data storage systems, for third party entities that store, process, train, or support artificial intelligence applications. The defined term Al Data Center shall not include any data storage use ancillary to a different principal use on the same property as the data center/storage use. Al Data Center also does not include edge data centers, micro data centers, or traditional on-premises server rooms/data closets that utilize Central Processing Units (CPUs).
City staff believes that the proposed Ordinance and Resolution will prevent negative impacts of Al Data Centers, as well as preserve remaining vacant land or land being redeveloped in the business park and elsewhere for their highest and best use, which the City believes are commercial uses that generate more jobs, with less negative impacts on the environment.
Environmental Review:
The proposed PMC and Specific Plan amendments are not a "project" subject to California Environmental Quality Act ("CEQA") because the prohibition of Al Data Centers will not have a direct or reasonably foreseeable indirect impact on the environment. (Pub. Res. Code§ 21065.) Fiscal Impact:
None.
Public Notification:
A Notice of Public Hearing was published in the San Diego Union Tribune on Thursday, September 3, 2026.
3 of 26
September 15, 2026, Item #11
Attachments
:
A.
Ordinance
Amending
PMC
to
Prohibit
Third
Party
Al
Data
Centers
B.
Resolution
Approving
Specific
Plan
Amendment
to
the
SPSP
Tracy
Stevens
Assistant
City
Manager
Reviewed
By
:
Alan
Fenstermacher
City
Attorney
4 of 26
September 15, 2026, Item #11
ATTACHMENT A
ORDINANCE NO.
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
POWAY, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING TITLE 17 (ZONING) OF THE
MUNICIPAL CODE TO PROHIBIT Al DATA CENTERS IN ALL
ZONES
WHEREAS, the City of Poway wishes to protect and preserve the public safety, health, welfare, resources, and quality of development throughout the City through effective land use and planning;
WHEREAS, Article XI, § 7 of the California Constitution empowers the City to enact and enforce ordinances regulating conditions that may be public nuisances or health hazards, or that promote social, economic, or aesthetic considerations;
WHEREAS, the City has become aware of the proliferation of large, high volume data centers serving offsite, third party artificial intelligence ("Al") companies and users, and potential negative impacts of such uses such as significant water and electricity use, strain on water and electricity infrastructure, adverse impact on utility rates, air quality impacts, fire risk, and lack of long term jobs and economic growth provided when compared to traditional industrial, manufacturing and office uses;
WHEREAS, the City Council's purpose in adopting this ordinance is to establish a clear, permanent land use policy that Al data centers are not an allowed land use anywhere within the City, thereby providing certainty to residents, businesses, and property owners about long-term development expectations;
WHEREAS, on September 15, 2026, the City adopted Resolution No. _ approving a specific plan amendment to prohibit the development of "Al data center(s)" in the South Poway Specific Plan;
WHEREAS, currently, data center uses are not a specifically designated use within the Zoning Code;
WHEREAS, after further study, the City wishes to make third party, Al data centers a prohibited use throughout the entire City; and
WHEREAS, the California Environmental Quality Act ("CEQA") does not apply to this ordinance because it is not a "project" and has no potential to result in a direct or reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change to the environment. (Cal. Pub. Res. Code § 21065; 14 Cal.
Code Regs. § 15378.) Further, this Ordinance is exempt from CEQA because there is no possibility that this Ordinance or its implementation would have a significant negative effect on the environment (14 Cal. Code Regs.§ 15061 (b)(3));
WHEREAS, on September 15, 2026, this Ordinance was introduced for first reading, and then considered for adoption after second reading on October 6, 2026; and WHEREAS, the City Council has read and considered the staff report for the proposed Ordinance and has considered other evidence presented at the public hearing. 5 of 26
September 15, 2026, Item #11
Ordinance No.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF POWAY DOES ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1: The above recitations are true and correct.
SECTION 2: Section 17.02.070 (Prohibited Land Uses) is hereby added to Chapter
17.02 (General Provisions) of Title 17 (Zoning) of the Poway Municipal Code and reads as follows:
Unless preempted by federal or state law, it is unlawful for any person to construct, operate, reconstruct or use real property for an Al Data Center in any zone in the City. Any violation of this section shall constitute a violation of this Code and shall be subject to the enforcement provisions, remedies, and penalties set forth in Chapter 17.54.
SECTION 3: Section 17.04.095 (Al data center) is hereby added to Chapter 17.04 (Definitions) of Title 17 (Zoning) of the Poway Municipal Code and reads as follows:
"Al Data Center" shall mean a use that has the principal purpose of housing computer servers that utilize high-density clusters of specialized accelerators like Graphics Processing Units (GPUs) and Tensor Processing Units (TPUs), and any associated data storage systems, for third party entities that store, process, train, or support artificial intelligence applications. The defined term Al Data Center shall not include any data storage use ancillary to a different principal use on the same property as the data center/storage use. Al Data Center also does not include edge data centers, micro data centers, or traditional on-premises server rooms/data closets that utilize Central Processing Units (CPUs).
SECTION 4: The proposed Municipal Code amendment has been reviewed with respect to the applicability of the California Environmental Quality Act (Public Resources Code section 21000 et seq.) ("CEQA"). The City Council has determined that the text amendment does not have the potential for creating a significant effect on the environment and is therefore exempt from further review pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15061 (b )(3), because it can be seen with certainty that adoption of the Ordinance has no possibility of having a significant effect on the environment. The proposed amendment is not a "project" and has no potential to result in a direct or reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change to the environment. (Cal. Pub. Res.
Code§ 21065; 14 Cal. Code Regs.§ 15378.)
SECTION 5: If any section, sentence, clause, phrase, or portion of this Ordinance, or the application thereof to any person or circumstance, is for any reason held to be invalid or unconstitutional, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this Ordinance. The City Council hereby declares that it would have adopted this Ordinance and each section, clause, phrase, and portion thereof irrespective of the fact that any one or more portions may be declared invalid or unconstitutional.
EFFECTIVE DATE: This Ordinance shall take effect and be in force thirty (30) days after its adoption.
CERTIFICATION/PUBLICATION: The City Clerk shall certify the adoption of this Ordinance and cause it or a summary of it, to be published with the names of the City Council members voting for and against the same in the Poway News Chieftain, a newspaper of general circulation in the City of Poway within fifteen (15) days after its adoption and shall post a certified 6 of 26
September 15, 2026, Item #11
Ordinance No.
copy of this Ordinance in the Office of the City Clerk in accordance with Government Code § 36933.
INTRODUCED AND FIRST READ at a regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Poway, California, held the 15th day of September, 2026, and thereafter.
PASSED AND ADOPTED at a regular meeting of said City Council held the 6th day of October, 2026, by the following vote, to wit:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSTAINED:
ABSENT:
DISQUALIFIED:
Steve Vaus, Mayor
ATTEST:
Carrie Gallagher, CMC, City Clerk
7 of 26
September 15, 2026, Item #11
ATTACHMENT B
RESOLUTION
NO.
26-
A
RESOLUTION
OF
THE
CITY
COUNCIL
OF
THE
CITY
OF
POWAY,
CALIFORNIA,
APPROVING
A
SPECIFIC
PLAN
AMENDMENT
TO
THE
SOUTH
POWAY
SPECIFIC
PLAN
WHEREAS,
the
City
of
Poway
wishes
to
protect
and
preserve
the
public
safety,
health,
welfare,
resources,
and
quality
of
development
within
the
South
Poway
Specific
Plan
("Specific
Plan")
area,
as
well
as
the
quality
of
life
throughout
the
City,
through
effective
land
use
and
planning;
WHEREAS,
Chapter
17.47 (Specific
Plan
Regulations)
of
Title
17 (Zoning
Development
Code)
of
the
Poway
Municipal
Code
(PMC)
provides
for
the
preparation,
adoption
and
amendment
of
specific
plans
in
accordance
with
section
65450,
et
seq.,
of
the
California
Government
Code
(Article
8,
Specific
Plans);
WHEREAS,
the
City
has
become
aware
of
the
proliferation
of
large,
high
volume
data
centers
serving
offsite,
third
party
artificial
intelligence
("Al")
companies
and
users,
and
potential
negative
impacts
of
such
uses
such
as
significant
water
and
electricity
use,
strain
on
water
and
electricity
infrastructure,
adverse
impact
on
utility
rates,
air
quality
impacts,
fire
risk,
and
lack
of
long
term
jobs
and
economic
growth
provided
when
compared
to
traditional
industrial,
manufacturing
and
office
uses;
WHEREAS,
the
City
does
not
believe
third
party
Al
Data
Centers
represent
the
highest
and
best
use
for
remaining
vacant
land
in
the
Specific
Plan
area,
or
for
redevelopment
of
existing
uses,
and
future
development
should
promote
enhanced
employment
stability;
WHEREAS.
currently,
data
center
uses
are
not
a
specifically
defined
or
designated
use
within
the
Specific
Plan
land
use
table,
nor
in
the
PMC;
WHEREAS,
after
further
study,
the
City
wishes
to
make
third
party,
Al
data
centers
a
prohibited
use
in
the
Specific
Plan,
as
well
as
in
the
City
generally,
pursuant
to
Ordinance
No
._,
which
is
being
considered
concurrently
with
this
Resolution;
and
WHEREAS,
California
Environmental
Quality
Act
("CEQA")
does
not
apply
to
this
Specific
Plan
amendment,
because
it
is
not
a
"project"
and
has
no
potential
to
result
in
a
direct
or
reasonably foreseeable
indirect
physical
change
to
the
environment.
(Cal.
Pub.
Res
Code
§21065;
14 Cal.
Code
Regs.
§
15378
.) Further,
this
Ordinance
is
exempt
from
CEQA
because
there
is
no
possibility
that
this
ordinance
or
its
implementation
would
have
a
significant
negative
effect
on
the
environment.
(14
Cal.
Code
Regs.§
15061(b)(3).)
NOW,
THEREFORE,
BE
IT
RESOLVED
by
the
City
Council
of
the
City
of
Poway
as
follows:
SECTION
1:
The
foregoing
recitals
are
true
and
correct,
and
incorporated
into
this
Resolution
by
this
reference,
as
if fully
set
forth
herein
.
8 of 26
September 15, 2026, Item #11
Resolution No. 26-
SECTION 2: The City Council amends Table 1 -Industrial Park and Light Industrial Use Matrix, found on pages 32 to 38 of the Specific Plan, as shown in redline and clean version on Exhibit A and Exhibit B, attached hereto.
SECTION 3: The following definitions are added to Chapter 2 -Definitions, on Specific Plan, page 2, as follows:
"Al Data Center" shall mean a use that has the principal purpose of housing computer servers that utilize high-density clusters of specialized accelerators like Graphics Processing Units (GPUs) and Tensor Processing Units (TPUs), and any associated data storage systems, for third party entities that store, process, train, or support artificial intelligence applications. The defined term Al Data Center shall not include any data storage use ancillary to a different principal use on the same property as the data center/storage use. Al Data Center also does not include edge data centers, micro data centers, or traditional on-premises server rooms/data closets that utilize Central Processing Units (CPUs).
SECTION 4: The City Council finds that this Specific Plan Amendment is consistent with the purposes of PMC Chapter 17.47 -Specific Plan Regulations, the City's General Plan, and all other development policies of the City.
SECTION 5: This Resolution shall take effect upon the date of its adoption.
PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED at a Regular Meeting of the City Council of the City of Poway, California on the 15th day of September, 2026 by the following vote, to wit:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSTAINED:
ABSENT:
DISQUALIFIED:
Steve Vaus, Mayor
ATTEST:
Carrie Gallagher, CMC, City Clerk
9 of 26
September 15, 2026, Item #11
Exhibit A
Resolution No. 26-
Table 1 -Industrial Park and Light Industrial Use Matrix (Redline) 10 of 26
September 15, 2026, Item #11
A. 1. 2. 3.
Resolution
No.
26-
Page
4 TABLE
1 -
INDUSTRIAL
PARK
AND
LIGHT
INDUSTRIAL
USE
MATRIX
USE
IP
LI
or
LI/S
MANUFACTURING Agricultural
packinghouses,
metal
forging,
fireworks/
X X
explosives,
refining,
rendering,
hazardous
chemicals/materials
manufacturing,
tire
retreading,
recapping,
and
manufacturing,
mobile
home
manufacturing,
paint
manufacturing,
stockyards
or
slaughter
of
animals.
Custom
Manufacturing.
Activities
typically
include,
but
are
p p
not
limited
to:
manufacturing,
processing,
assembling,
packaging,
treatment
or
fabrication
of
custom
made
products.
These
types
of
business
establishments
do
not
utilize
raw
materials
for
their
finished
products,
but
rather,
may
utilize
semi-finished
type
of
manufactured
materials
for
their
custom
made-to-order
products
. The
finished
products
from
these
business
establishments
are
ready
for
use
or
consumption.
Such
uses
may
include,
but
are
not
limited
to:
jewelry;
household
furniture;
art
objects;
apparel
products;
small
instruments
(musical,
electrical
or
photographic);
stationery,
and
related
products;
signs
and
advertising
displays;
stained
glass
products;
leather
products;
and
assembly
of
bicycle
parts
. The
uses
do
not
produce
odors,
noise,
vibration or
particulates
that
would
adversely
affect
uses
in
the
same
structure
or
on
the
same
site. Light
Manufacturing.
Activities
typically
include,
but
are
not
p
p
limited
to:
labor-intensive
manufacturing,
assembly,
fabrication
or
repair
processes
that
do
not
involve
large
container
truck
traffic
or
the
transport
of
large-scale
bulky
products.
The
new
product
may
be
finished
in
the
sense
that
it is
ready
for
use
or
consumption
or
it may
be
semi-
finished
to
become
a
component
for
further
assembly
and
packaging.
Such
uses
may
include,
but
are
not
limited
to:
electronic
microchip
assembly;
printing,
publishing,
and
allied
industries;
candy
and
other
confectionery
products
;
bottled
or
canned
soft
drinks
and
carbonated
water;
apparel
and
other
finished
products
; paper
board
containers
and
boxes;
drugs;
small
fabricated
metal
products
such
as
hand
tools,
general
hardware,
architectural
and
ornamental
metal
work
and
toys,
11 of 26
September 15, 2026, Item #11
4. B.
1. 2.
3. Resolution No. 26-
TABLE 1 -INDUSTRIAL PARK AND LIGHT INDUSTRIAL USE MATRIX USE IP Llor
LI/S
amusement, sports and athletics goods. The activities do not produce odors, noise, vibration, hazardous waste
materials, or particulates that would adversely affect other uses in the structure or on the same site.
Medium Manufacturing. Activities typically include, but are X p not limited to: manufacturing, compounding of materials, processing, assembly, packaging, treatment or fabrication of materials and products that require frequent large
container truck traffic, or the transport of heavy, bulky items. The new products are semi-finished to be a
component for further manufacturing, fabrication, and
assembly. Such uses may include, but are not limited to:
canned food; textile products; furniture and fixtures;
converted paper and paper board products; plastic
products made from purchased rubber, plastic or resin;
fabricated metal products made from sheet metal;
electrical and electronic machinery, equipment and
supplies; and office, computing, and accounting machines.
These activities may produce noise, odors, vibrations,
illumination or particulates that affect the persons
conducting business in the vicinity.
OFFICE PROFESSIONAL, DESIGN AND RESEARCH
Administrative and Office. Activities typically include, but p X are not limited to: executive management, administrative or clerical uses of private, profit-oriented firms other than public utility firms. Uses typically include, but are not limited to: corporate headquarters, branch offices, and data storage centers.
Contractor's offices with no storage of equipment or trucks. p p Professional and Design Services. Activities typically p X include, but are not limited to: the provision of advice, design, information or consultation of a professional
nature. Uses typically include, but are not limited to:
architects, engineers, lawyers, accountant and advertising offices, and a planning or educational research service.
Excluded are dental, medical, and chiropractic offices. 12 of 26
September 15, 2026, Item #11
4. C.
1. 2.
3. 4.
5. Resolution No. 26-
TABLE 1 -INDUSTRIAL PARK AND LIGHT INDUSTRIAL USE MATRIX USE IP LI or
LI/S
Research Services. Activities typically include, but are not p p limited to: research, design, analysis, development and/or testing of a product. Uses typically include, but are not limited to: testing laboratories, acoustical chambers, wind tunnels, and mainframe computer services. Such uses do
not promote odors, noise, vibration or particulates that would adversely affect uses in the same structure or on the same site.
WHOLESALE STORAGE AND DISTRIBUTION
Auction houses. X C
Bulk oil/fuel storage tanks. C C
Light Wholesale, Storage and Distribution. Activities p p typically include, but are not limited to: wholesaling, storage and warehousing services and storage and
wholesale to retailers from the premises of finished goods and food products, excluding hazardous materials, fuels or chemicals. Activities under this classification shall be conducted in enclosed buildings and occupy fifty thousand (50,000) square feet or less of building space.
Medium Wholesale, Storage and Distribution. Activities X p typically include, but are not limited to: wholesale, storage, and warehousing services; moving and storage services;
storage and wholesaling of finished goods and food
products from the premises to retailers; and distribution facilities for large-scale retail firms, and excluding
hazardous materials, fuels or chemicals. Activities under this classification shall be conducted in enclosed buildings and occupy greater than fifty thousand (50,000) square
feet of building space. Included are multi-tenant and
speculative buildings with over fifty thousand (50,000) square feet of warehouse space.
Public Storage. Activities include mini-warehouse with or X p without ancillary recreational vehicle storage, for the rental or lease of small-scale, enclosed storage units, and/ or parking spaces, primarily to individuals rather than firms or organizations. Activities to store household items, other 13 of 26
September 15, 2026, Item #11
6. 7.
8. 9.
10. D.
1. 2.
3. E.
1. Resolution No. 26-
TABLE 1 -INDUSTRIAL PARK AND LIGHT INDUSTRIAL USE MATRIX USE IP LI or
LI/S
than storage operations, are not allowed on the premises.
Where twenty-four hour on-site surveillance is necessary, a caretaker's residence may be permitted when approved
with a conditional use permit.
Outdoor storage, including, but not limited to, contractors' X p yards subject to the standards contained in Section IV.C.8 of this Chapter.
Storage of fuels and hazardous chemicals shall be p p
permitted subject to City of Poway regulations where such storage is necessary to support the primary use on-site. No warehousing or distribution of fuel or hazardous chemicals shall be permitted except as otherwise permitted in this section.
Truck or automobile fleet storage. M M
Warehousing or distribution of hazardous materials/ X C chemicals, fuels, warehoused and distributed as packaged when received.
Wholesale bakeries. X p
MATERIALS RECOVERY FACILITIES
Asphalt concrete batch plants (except as temporary uses X X as described in Volume One and as otherwise permitted
herein).
Cement products, ready-mix plants, asphalt batch plants p p as temporary uses as called out in the Gravel Resources section of the South Poway Planned Community
Development Plan (Volume 1 ).
Temporary sand and gravel aggregate processing facilities M M for processing materials during rough grading operations.
CIVIC USES
Bicycle trails, pedestrian/jogging trails and staging areas, p p public transit stops.
14 of 26
September 15, 2026, Item #11
2. 3.
4. 5.
6. F.
1. 2.
3. 4.
5. Resolution No. 26-
TABLE 1 -INDUSTRIAL PARK AND LIGHT INDUSTRIAL USE MATRIX USE IP Llor
LI/S
City governmental services and facilities such as fire p p stations, firefighting training towers, police stations and other facilities.
Cogeneration plants producing 2 mega-watts or less. p p Day care center. C C
Other governmental services and facilities. C C
Public utility electric transmission and distribution X p substations.
COMMERCIAL USES
Automotive and truck repair -major, provided all activities X C and storage occur within an enclosed building unless the property has a land use designation of Light
Industrial/Storage (LI/S).
Building material/lumber yards, contractors' yards, X C provided the property has a land use designation of Light Industrial/Storage (LI/S).
Commercial uses except for Industrial Support Services for X X up to 10 percent of the gross floor area of each building, or Retail Outlets as an accessory use for up to 25 percent of the gross floor area of each building.
Commercial laundries. X p
Industrial Support Services. These support services shall p p not occupy a freestanding structure, shall be oriented away from the major public right-of-way, and shall support the primary tenant of the building or be local-serving uses. The permitted support services include; data processing
services; office furniture and office equipment display, sales and service; cleaning and dying works, laundry and dry cleaners; certified public accountants, tax accountants, engineers, surveyors, drafting, blueprinting and
photocopying, commercial printers, office supply
establishment, includinQ stationer, addressinQ, secretarial 15 of 26
September 15, 2026, Item #11
6. 7.
8. 9.
10. 11.
12. G.
1. 2.
Resolution No. 26-
TABLE 1 -INDUSTRIAL PARK AND LIGHT INDUSTRIAL USE MATRIX USE IP LI or
LI/S
and telephone answering services; pharmacies (sale of
drugs, medicine and medical supplies only); medical
appliance sales; restaurants; and travel bureaus.
Music recording/rehearsal studios X p
Recreation vehicle, motorcycle, off-road vehicle, and X C watercraft sales and ancillary service (not including
automotive vehicle sales).
Sales, rental, or repairs of prefabricated structures X C provided the property is designated Light Industrial/Storage (LI/S).
Trade schools (all activities shall occur within an enclosed p p building).
Wireless communications facility:
a. Monopole. C C
b. Roof mounted, greater than six feet in height or no C C screening provided.
C. Fa9ade-mounted to an existing building or water p p
reservoir or roof-mounted less than six feet in height
and screened from view. Subject to the approval of
a Minor Development Review Permit pursuant to
Chapter 17.52 of the Poway Municipal Code.
Battery Storage Facility X C
Al Data Center X X
RECREATIONAL USES
Athletic and health club. X C
Indoor recreational uses within a building of 5,000 square M M feet r less, (except athletic and health clubs) such as batting cages, archery ranges and marksman ranges.
16 of 26
September 15, 2026, Item #11
3. 4.
5. 6.
H.
1. 2.
3. 4.
5. 6.
7. 8.
I.
1. Resolution No. 26-
TABLE 1 -INDUSTRIAL PARK AND LIGHT INDUSTRIAL USE MATRIX USE IP LI or
LI/S
Indoor recreational uses within a building of over 5,000 C C square feet (except athletic and health clubs).
Sports facilities and parks. C C
Golf practice facility/micro golf course. X C
Outdoor amphitheater. X X
RESIDENTIAL AND INSTITUTIONAL USES
Churches. X X
Clubs and lodges. X X
Convalescent care facilities. X X
Hospitals. X X
Hotels or motels and similar uses offering lodging to X X guests.
Mobile home parks. X X
Residential dwellings. X X
School, public or private (excluding trade school). X X
ACCESSORY USES
The following on-premise accessory uses shall be
permitted as shown below:
a. In-plant cafeteria, gymnasium/showers and day care p p facilities that are only intended to serve employees
and others affiliated with the primary uses of the
premises.
b. Retail Outlets for research, development, p p
manufacturing or warehouse uses where such retail
use is accessory to the primary industrial use and
does not exceed 25 percent of the gross floor area
of each building. These retail outlets shall not
17 of 26
September 15, 2026, Item #11
Resolution
No
. 26-
Page
11 TABLE
1-
INDUSTRIAL
PARK
AND
LIGHT
INDUSTRIAL
USE
MATRIX
USE
IP
LI
or
LI/S
occupy
a
freestanding structure
and
shall
support
the
primary
tenant
of
the
building.
C.
Pushcarts
for
sale
of
such
items
as
coffee,
ice
M M
cream
, hot
dogs
and
popcorn
located
on
private
property.
d.
Gas
regulators
and
communications
equipment
p p
buildings developed
in
accordance
with
development
plans
approved
for
the
parcel.
18 of 26
September 15, 2026, Item #11
Exhibit B
Resolution No. 26-
Table 1 -Industrial Park and Light Industrial Use Matrix (Clean) 19 of 26
September 15, 2026, Item #11
A.
1. 2.
3. Resolution No. 26-
TABLE 1 -INDUSTRIAL PARK AND LIGHT INDUSTRIAL USE MATRIX USE IP Llor
LI/S
MANUFACTURING
Agricultural packinghouses, metal forging, fireworks/ X X explosives, refining, rendering, hazardous
chemicals/materials manufacturing, tire retreading,
recapping, and manufacturing, mobile home
manufacturing, paint manufacturing, stockyards or
slaughter of animals.
Custom Manufacturing. Activities typically include, but are p p not limited to: manufacturing, processing, assembling,
packaging, treatment or fabrication of custom made
products. These types of business establishments do not utilize raw materials for their finished products, but rather, may utilize semi-finished type of manufactured materials for their custom made-to-order products. The finished
products from these business establishments are ready for use or consumption. Such uses may include, but are not
limited to: jewelry; household furniture; art objects; apparel products; small instruments (musical, electrical or
photographic); stationery, and related products; signs and advertising displays; stained glass products; leather
products; and assembly of bicycle parts. The uses do not produce odors, noise, vibration or particulates that would adversely affect uses in the same structure or on the same site.
Light Manufacturing. Activities typically include, but are not p p limited to: labor-intensive manufacturing, assembly,
fabrication or repair processes that do not involve large container truck traffic or the transport of large-scale bulky products. The new product may be finished in the sense
that it is ready for use or consumption or it may be semi- finished to become a component for further assembly and packaging. Such uses may include, but are not limited to:
electronic microchip assembly; printing, publishing, and allied industries; candy and other confectionery products; bottled or canned soft drinks and carbonated water;
apparel and other finished products; paper board
containers and boxes; drugs; small fabricated metal
products such as hand tools, general hardware,
architectural and ornamental metal work and toys,
20 of 26
September 15, 2026, Item #11
4. B.
1. 2.
3. Resolution No. 26-
TABLE 1 -INDUSTRIAL PARK AND LIGHT INDUSTRIAL USE MATRIX USE IP LI or
LI/S
amusement, sports and athletics goods. The activities do not produce odors, noise, vibration, hazardous waste
materials, or particulates that would adversely affect other uses in the structure or on the same site.
Medium Manufacturing. Activities typically include, but are X p not limited to: manufacturing, compounding of materials, processing, assembly, packaging, treatment or fabrication of materials and products that require frequent large
container truck traffic, or the transport of heavy, bulky items. The new products are semi-finished to be a
component for further manufacturing, fabrication, and
assembly. Such uses may include, but are not limited to:
canned food; textile products; furniture and fixtures;
converted paper and paper board products; plastic
products made from purchased rubber, plastic or resin;
fabricated metal products made from sheet metal;
electrical and electronic machinery, equipment and
supplies; and office, computing, and accounting machines.
These activities may produce noise, odors, vibrations,
illumination or particulates that affect the persons
conducting business in the vicinity.
OFFICE PROFESSIONAL, DESIGN AND RESEARCH
Administrative and Office. Activities typically include, but p X are not limited to: executive management, administrative or clerical uses of private, profit-oriented firms other than public utility firms. Uses typically include, but are not limited to: corporate headquarters, branch offices, and data storage centers.
Contractor's offices with no storage of equipment or trucks. p p Professional and Design Services. Activities typically p X include, but are not limited to: the provision of advice, design, information or consultation of a professional
nature. Uses typically include, but are not limited to:
architects, engineers, lawyers, accountant and advertising offices, and a planning or educational research service.
Excluded are dental, medical, and chiropractic offices. 21 of 26
September 15, 2026, Item #11
4. C.
1. 2.
3. 4.
5. Resolution No. 26-
TABLE 1 -INDUSTRIAL PARK AND LIGHT INDUSTRIAL USE MATRIX USE IP Llor
LI/S
Research Services. Activities typically include, but are not p p limited to: research, design, analysis, development and/or testing of a product. Uses typically include, but are not limited to: testing laboratories, acoustical chambers, wind tunnels, and mainframe computer services. Such uses do
not promote odors, noise, vibration or particulates that would adversely affect uses in the same structure or on the same site.
WHOLESALE STORAGE AND DISTRIBUTION
Auction houses. X C
Bulk oil/fuel storage tanks. C C
Light Wholesale, Storage and Distribution. Activities p p typically include, but are not limited to: wholesaling, storage and warehousing services and storage and
wholesale to retailers from the premises of finished goods and food products, excluding hazardous materials, fuels or chemicals. Activities under this classification shall be conducted in enclosed buildings and occupy fifty thousand (50,000) square feet or less of building space.
Medium Wholesale, Storage and Distribution. Activities X p typically include, but are not limited to: wholesale, storage, and warehousing services; moving and storage services;
storage and wholesaling of finished goods and food
products from the premises to retailers; and distribution facilities for large-scale retail firms, and excluding
hazardous materials, fuels or chemicals. Activities under this classification shall be conducted in enclosed buildings and occupy greater than fifty thousand (50,000) square
feet of building space. Included are multi-tenant and
speculative buildings with over fifty thousand (50,000) square feet of warehouse space.
Public Storage. Activities include mini-warehouse with or X p without ancillary recreational vehicle storage, for the rental or lease of small-scale, enclosed storage units, and/ or parking spaces, primarily to individuals rather than firms or on:ianizations. Activities to store household items, other 22 of 26
September 15, 2026, Item #11
6. 7. 8. 9. 10. D. 1. 2. 3. E. 1.
Resolution
No.
26-
Page
16 TABLE
1 -
INDUSTRIAL
PARK
AND
LIGHT
INDUSTRIAL
USE
MATRIX
USE
IP
LI
or
LI/S
than
storage
operations,
are
not
allowed
on
the
premises.
Where
twenty-four
hour
on-site
surveillance
is
necessary,
a
caretaker's
residence
may
be
permitted
when
approved
with a
conditional
use
permit.
Outdoor
storage,
including,
but
not
limited
to,
contractors'
X
p
yards
subject
to
the
standards
contained
in
Section
IV.C.8
of
this
Chapter
.
Storage
of
fuels
and
hazardous
chemicals
shall
be
p p
permitted
subject
to
City
of
Poway
regulations
where
such
storage
is
necessary
to
support
the
primary
use
on-site
. No
warehousing
or
distribution
of
fuel
or
hazardous
chemicals
shall
be
permitted
except
as
otherwise
permitted
in
this
section. Truck
or
automobile
fleet
storage.
M
M
Warehousing
or
distribution
of
hazardous
materials/
X
C
chemicals,
fuels
, warehoused
and
distributed
as
packaged
when
received.
Wholesale
bakeries
.
X
p
MATERIALS
RECOVERY
FACILITIES
Asphalt
concrete
batch
plants
(except
as
temporary
uses
X X
as
described
in
Volume
One
and
as
otherwise
permitted
herein). Cement
products,
ready-mix
plants,
asphalt
batch
plants
p
p
as
temporary
uses
as
called
out
in
the
Gravel
Resources
section
of
the
South
Poway
Planned
Community
Development
Plan
(Volume
1 ).
Temporary
sand
and
gravel
aggregate
processing
facilities
M
M
for
processing
materials
during
rough
grading
operations
.
CIVIC USES Bicycle
trails,
pedestrian/jogging
trails
and
staging
areas,
p p
public
transit
stops
.
23 of 26
September 15, 2026, Item #11
2. 3.
4. 5.
6. F.
1. 2.
3. 4.
5. Resolution No. 26-
TABLE 1 -INDUSTRIAL PARK AND LIGHT INDUSTRIAL USE MATRIX USE IP Llor
LI/S
City governmental services and facilities such as fire p p stations, firefighting training towers, police stations and other facilities.
Cogeneration plants producing 2 mega-watts or less. p p Day care center. C C
Other governmental services and facilities. C C
Public utility electric transmission and distribution X p substations.
COMMERCIAL USES
Automotive and truck repair -major, provided all activities X C and storage occur within an enclosed building unless the property has a land use designation of Light
Industrial/Storage (LI/S).
Building material/lumber yards, contractors' yards, X C provided the property has a land use designation of Light Industrial/Storage (LI/S).
Commercial uses except for Industrial Support Services for X X up to 10 percent of the gross floor area of each building, or Retail Outlets as an accessory use for up to 25 percent of the gross floor area of each building.
Commercial laundries. X p
Industrial Support Services. These support services shall p p not occupy a freestanding structure, shall be oriented away from the major public right-of-way, and shall support the primary tenant of the building or be local-serving uses. The permitted support services include; data processing
services; office furniture and office equipment display, sales and service; cleaning and dying works, laundry and dry cleaners; certified public accountants, tax accountants, engineers, surveyors, drafting, blueprinting and
photocopying, commercial printers, office supply
establishment, including stationer, addressing, secretarial 24 of 26
September 15, 2026, Item #11
6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12
.
G. 1. 2.
Resolution
No
. 26-
Page
18 TABLE
1 -
INDUSTRIAL
PARK
AND
LIGHT
INDUSTRIAL
USE
MATRIX
USE
IP
Llor LI/S
and
telephone
answering
services;
pharmacies
(sale
of
drugs,
medicine
and
medical
supplies
only);
medical
appliance
sales;
restaurants;
and
travel
bureaus.
Music
recording/rehearsal
studios
X
p
Recreation
vehicle,
motorcycle,
off-road
vehicle,
and
X
C
watercraft
sales
and
ancillary
service
(not
including
automotive
vehicle
sales).
Sales,
rental,
or
repairs
of
prefabricated structures
X
C
provided
the
property
is
designated
Light
Industrial/Storage
(LI/S). Trade
schools
(all
activities
shall
occur
within
an
enclosed
p
p
building). Wireless
communications
facility:
a.
Monopole.
C C
b.
Roof
mounted,
greater
than
six
feet
in
height
or
no
C C
screening
provided.
C.
Fa9ade-mounted
to
an
existing
building
or
water
p p
reservoir
or
roof-mounted
less
than
six
feet
in
height
and
screened
from
view.
Subject
to
the
approval
of
a
Minor
Development
Review
Permit
pursuant
to
Chapter
17.52 of
the
Poway
Municipal
Code.
Battery
Storage
Facility
X
C
Al
Data
Center
X
X
RECREATIONAL
USES
Athletic
and
health
club.
X
C
Indoor
recreational
uses
within
a
building
of
5,000
square
M
M
feet
r less,
(except
athletic
and
health
clubs)
such
as
batting
cages,
archery
ranges
and
marksman
ranges.
25 of 26
September 15, 2026, Item #11
3. 4. 5. 6. H. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. I. 1.
Resolution
No
. 26-
Page
19 TABLE
1 -
INDUSTRIAL
PARK
AND
LIGHT
INDUSTRIAL
USE
MATRIX
USE
IP
LI
or
LI/S
Indoor
recreational
uses
within
a
building
of
over
5,000
C C
square
feet
(except
athletic
and
health
clubs).
Sports
facilities
and
parks.
C C
Golf
practice facility/micro
golf
course
.
X
C
Outdoor
amphitheater.
X X
RESIDENTIAL
AND
INSTITUTIONAL
USES
Churches
.
X X
Clubs
and
lodges.
X
X
Convalescent
care
facilities.
X
X
Hospitals.
X
X
Hotels
or
motels
and
similar
uses
offering
lodging
to
X X
guests. Mobile
home
parks.
X X
Residential
dwellings.
X
X
School,
public
or
private
(excluding
trade
school)
.
X X
ACCESSORY
USES
The
following
on-premise
accessory
uses
shall
be
permitted
as
shown
below:
a.
In-plant
cafeteria,
gymnasium/showers
and
day
care
p p
facilities
that
are
only
intended
to
serve
employees
and
others
affiliated
with
the
primary
uses
of
the
premises
.
b.
Retail
Outlets
for
research,
development,
p p
manufacturing
or
warehouse
uses
where
such
retail
use
is
accessory
to
the
primary
industrial
use
and
does
not
exceed
25 percent
of
the
gross
floor
area
of
each
building.
These
retail
outlets
shall
not
26 of 26
September 15, 2026, Item #11
Resolution No. 26-
TABLE 1 -INDUSTRIAL PARK AND LIGHT INDUSTRIAL USE MATRIX USE IP LI or
LI/S
occupy a freestanding structure and shall support
the primary tenant of the building.
C. Pushcarts for sale of such items as coffee, ice M M
cream, hot dogs and popcorn located on private
property.
d. Gas regulators and communications equipment p p
buildings developed in accordance with
development plans approved for the parcel.