Planning and Zoning Commission to discuss data centers during their next meeting

Hillsboro, Texas's Planning and Zoning Commission is set to review and potentially revise local ordinances concerning data center development. During an upcoming meeting, the commission will deliberate on an amendment to a 2007 zoning ordinance, aiming to establish stricter regulations for future data center projects. Richard Reinhardt, a planning official for the city, indicated that the proposed changes would eliminate "permitted by right" development, instead requiring data centers to go through a specific use permit process, involving both the planning commission and the city council for every request. Key supplemental conditions under consideration include a 100-foot setback requirement from property lines for data center buildings and mandatory developmental agreements between the city and developers. Local business owner David Barberena, of Ultraviolet Boba Tea, expressed strong opposition to data centers, citing environmental concerns, particularly regarding water usage and "light pollution." He also voiced worries about potential increases in electricity bills for local businesses. Barberena hopes the city will implement robust rules to make it more challenging for data centers to establish themselves, trusting the officials to prioritize community interests.