Hyperscale Data Centers “Not Possible” in Roseville
NO, AN AI DATA CENTER IS NOT BEING BUILT IN ROSEVILLE
If you’ve been scrolling through local groups and seeing rumors about a massive, resource-heavy AI data center taking over the Phillip Road site, let’s clear the air with actual facts from the City of Roseville’s official planning department.
The proposal for the Phillip Road Site (File # PL24-1010) is a “Balanced Plan” for a mixed-use neighborhood—not a massive tech monolith.
Here is what the city’s public records actually show for the 183 developable acres:
- 662 Homes: A mix of low and high-density residential housing.
- Shops & Dining: Roughly 51,000 square feet of commercial and retail space.
- Innovation Park: Space dedicated to advanced manufacturing, bio/life sciences, and research.
The Facts:
- It’s a Mixed-Use Project, Not an AI Hub: The 183-acre site is actually planned for a mix of 662 residential homes, 51,000 square feet of commercial/retail space, and an innovation tech park.
- Hyperscale/AI Data Centers are Physically Impossible Here: Huge “hyperscale” AI data centers require 200 to 300+ megawatts of power. Roseville’s peak power demand for the entire city has historically been around 370 megawatts. The city explicitly states our local grid cannot support a hyperscale facility.
- What is Actually Allowed: The tech zone allows for a mid-sized “colocation” data center maxed out at 30 megawatts. It would be restricted to using recycled water and would likely support local advanced manufacturing or medical tech.
Before the neighborhood rumor mill spins out of control, you can read the city’s fully updated FAQ directly on the official Roseville Development Services portal here: https://www.roseville.ca.gov/development_services/planning/projects_of_interest/proposed_phillip_road_site/
