Fort Worth considers data center zoning rules in response to residents' concerns
Fort Worth is proposing new zoning rules for data centers in response to resident concerns about noise and light pollution. The city aims to implement strict noise and distance barriers and prohibit cryptocurrency mining as a primary use. The City Council will discuss and potentially vote on the amendments in August.
The city of Fort Worth, Texas, is considering new zoning regulations for data centers after residents expressed concerns about their quality of life, citing issues like noise and light pollution from the facilities. Currently, Fort Worth data centers operate under general industrial development standards, lacking specific regulations.
Following a Zoning Commission meeting on Wednesday, city staff are set to recommend new rules, including strict noise and distance barriers between data centers and residential neighborhoods. Additionally, a proposed zoning agreement would prohibit cryptocurrency mining as a primary use within data centers. These efforts are a direct response to feedback from community members who spoke at the meeting. Fort Worth currently has four operational data centers and five more planned or under construction, which have generated over $83 million in property taxes over the last five years.
However, the city acknowledges it cannot regulate energy use, water planning, air quality, or state tax exemptions, as these fall under state authority. The proposed amendments will proceed to a Fort Worth City Council work session on August 4, with a potential final vote during the August 11 meeting.