Proposed data center requirements
The City of La Vix Planning and Zoning Commission has postponed a decision on proposed restrictions for large-scale data centers. The commission is considering new land use designations that would include restrictions on water use, setback from other properties, and power use feasibility studies. Some commission members are concerned these rules might be too strict, potentially preventing hyperscale data centers from building in the city.
The City of La Vix Planning and Zoning Commission has deferred its decision on new restrictions for large-scale data centers, opting to hold another work session next month to further discuss the proposals with citizens and city staff.
The commission is developing an outline of recommendations intended for inclusion in the city's Unified Development Code, which governs land use and property management. A key proposal involves creating a new land use designation specifically for large-scale data centers. This designation would introduce several new requirements, including restrictions on water use, a 500-foot setback from other properties, and a mandatory power use feasibility study.
While the goal is to manage the growth of 'AI factories' across West Texas, some commission members have expressed reservations, suggesting that these proposed rules might be overly stringent. They fear that such strict requirements could prevent hyperscale data centers from establishing within La Vix city limits, potentially hindering economic development.