City Council Discusses Moratorium on Data Center Construction
San Antonio City Council discussed a possible moratorium on data center construction and potential amendments to the Unified Development Code. This action was prompted by Councilmembers responding to resident concerns about data center growth's impact on natural resources and infrastructure. The city is following a state-mandated process for implementing a moratorium and preparing draft UDC amendments for public review.
The San Antonio City Council deliberated a potential moratorium on data center development and proposed amendments to its Unified Development Code (UDC). This critical discussion stems from a Council Consideration Request (CCR) by Councilmember Galvan and a three-signature memo from Councilmembers from Districts 6, 8, and 5, advocating for a temporary halt on new data center projects within the city. The impetus behind these actions is a growing concern among residents regarding the environmental impact on natural resources and the strain on city infrastructure caused by rapid data center expansion, particularly in District 6.
Texas state law outlines a stringent three-month process for implementing such a building permit moratorium, which, if adopted, could initially last 90 days with a possible extension to 180 days. Concurrently, the Development Services Department has engaged stakeholders through three input sessions to gather feedback on UDC amendments tailored for data centers. Draft amendments are now ready for public review ahead of a future meeting with the Planning and Community Development (PCDC) Council Committee. District 6 Councilmember emphasized the importance of community input in shaping future data center policies and supporting a pause in development until these local regulations are established.