San Antonio moves to tighten data center rules, holds off on call for moratorium
San Antonio City Council is advancing stricter zoning and land-use rules for data centers due to public opposition concerning their power and water usage. While some council members advocated for a moratorium, the council decided to gather more data before implementing a freeze on new facilities. This action comes amidst growing statewide efforts to regulate data center development in Texas.
The San Antonio City Council is moving to implement tighter regulations on data center development, responding to increasing public opposition across the state. Council members Ric Galvan, Ivalis Meza Gonzalez, and Teri Castillo had previously called for a moratorium on new data center plans and permits, but the council, led by Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones, decided to first gather more data to determine if a moratorium is necessary.
Instead of a moratorium, the council is prioritizing the fine-tuning of proposed changes to the city’s zoning and land-use codes. These changes, drafted by the Development Services Department, would restrict data centers to intense commercial and industrial zones, mandate a 500-foot buffer from residential areas, schools, and daycares, and require special use authorization for developers who do not meet comprehensive standards. Additionally, the proposed regulations include mandatory landscaping and fencing to mitigate noise and light pollution, and a prohibition on development over the Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone. Mayor Jones also suggested incorporating specific daytime and nighttime noise limits and requiring enclosed buildings for backup generators. The Planning and Community Development Committee will now refine these amendments before they return to the City Council for a vote.
The debate highlights concerns about data centers' significant power and water consumption, their environmental impact, and quality of life for residents. Council Member Jalen McKee-Rodriguez emphasized the need to protect natural resources, while Council Member Misty Spears cautioned against a pause, citing potential job losses and the industry's innovation in sustainable practices. This local action mirrors statewide trends, with Austin taking steps to ban large-scale data centers and Governor Greg Abbott calling for an audit of data centers connecting to the state's electric grid. San Antonio remains an attractive location for data center companies like CyrusOne, which plans its sixth facility in the area, due to affordable power, accessible fiber networks, and a manageable climate.