San Antonio City Council debates data center moratorium, stricter development rules
The San Antonio City Council debated a proposed moratorium on data center development but rejected an outright ban. Instead, the Council will pursue amendments to the city's Universal Development Code to introduce stricter zoning rules, including setbacks from residential areas and schools, noise limits, and special use authorization requirements. Concerns over water usage, infrastructure impact, and economic benefits were key discussion points.
The San Antonio City Council convened a special session to discuss a proposed moratorium on data center development within city limits, ultimately deciding against a blanket ban. The motion for a temporary pause, supported by Councilmembers Ric Galvan, Ivalis Meza Gonzalez, Teri Castillo, and Jalen McKee-Rodriguez, was largely rejected in favor of amending existing city zoning codes. Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones and other council members expressed concerns about job losses, advocating for a more nuanced approach through development code adjustments.
The Council is now focusing on introducing stricter regulations within the Universal Development Code (UDC). Proposed amendments include prohibiting data centers within 500 feet of residential properties, hospitals, schools, nursing homes, and daycare centers, restricting them to industrial and commercial districts, and banning construction downtown. Mayor Jones specifically requested information on potable water usage by data centers and their accessories, proposed noise limits (less than 50 dBA daytime, 45 dBA nighttime), and requirements for enclosed diesel backup generators. She also emphasized the need for early neighborhood notification and Special Use Authorization for new projects.
These discussions follow a Development Services meeting where the 500-foot setback proposal faced mixed reactions from industry lobbyists, who found it too restrictive, and activists from groups like Public Citizen and the Greater Edwards Aquifer Alliance, who argued it was insufficient, citing Tucson's stricter 1,000-foot commercial and half-mile residential setbacks. The Zoning Commission is scheduled to meet on September 15, with a Council vote on UDC amendments planned for October 15, as the city seeks to balance development with community and environmental concerns.