San Antonio City Council Weighs Special Use Permits for New Data Centers
San Antonio officials are considering requiring special use permits for new data centers instead of allowing them by right. The Greater Edwards Aquifer Alliance and Public Citizen support stronger permitting and environmental safeguards, with the City Council expected to vote on the issue Oct. 29.
San Antonio’s Development Services Department has presented options for regulating new data centers after being directed by the City Council to develop updated rules. One option would largely preserve by-right permitting, while two others would require special use permits and public review for each proposed facility. Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones and Council Member Ric Galvan support the more restrictive approach, while Council Members Marina Alderete Gavito and Marc Whyte support maintaining by-right approvals.
The Greater Edwards Aquifer Alliance and Public Citizen’s Texas Office argue that special use permits would provide opportunities to address community concerns about noise, air pollution, light pollution and impacts on nearby neighborhoods. The groups also oppose allowing data centers in the C-3 general commercial zoning category and say the City Council’s expected Oct. 29 vote will determine how San Antonio regulates future facilities.