From park construction to data center bans: Check out 4 Hays County area government updates
The San Marcos City Council has voted to approve amendments to its Land Development Code, which includes an absolute restriction on data centers within all city zoning distinctions. This decision follows an earlier failed motion to prohibit data centers, with a subsequent motion by Council member Lorenzo Gonzalez leading to its approval. The council members who voted in favor cited the need to protect community resources and opportunities.
The San Marcos City Council recently enacted a prohibition on data centers within all city zoning distinctions, a significant amendment to the city's Land Development Code and Design Manual. The vote, which took place at a June 16 meeting, saw four council members in favor and three dissenting.
Initially, a motion to ban data centers by Place 6 council member Amanda Rodriguez on April 21 failed. However, at the June 16 meeting, Place 5 council member Lorenzo Gonzalez, who had previously voted against the ban, moved for reconsideration. The amendment subsequently passed with support from Gonzalez, Rodriguez, Place 3 council member Alyssa Garza, and Place 4 council member Shane Scott.
Rodriguez emphasized that the city is taking decisive action to protect its communities, resources, and opportunities, rather than waiting for state or federal intervention. Mayor Jane Hughson, along with Place 1 council member Matthew Mendoza and Place 2 council member Josh Paselk, voted against the prohibition. This decision is one of several recent governmental updates in Hays County, including progress on new parks in Buda and Kyle and a forensic audit approved by the Kyle City Council amid a budget shortfall.