Council, community members weigh in ahead of data center regulation vote
The San Antonio City Council is preparing to vote on new rules governing data centers within city limits. Community members are protesting and calling for stronger safeguards, including setbacks, limits on locations, protections for the Edwards Research Recharge Zone and council approval of individual projects.
The San Antonio City Council is set to vote on changes to the city’s Unified Development Code that would establish new requirements for data centers. Options under consideration include limiting facilities to commercial and industrial areas, requiring 500-foot setbacks from homes and other buildings, prohibiting development in the Edwards Research Recharge Zone, and potentially requiring each project to receive council approval.
The proposed rules have drawn opposition from residents concerned about the rapid growth of data centers, diesel generators and environmental impacts. District 6 Councilman Ric Galvan is leading the push for project-by-project council review, while District 10 Councilman Marc Whyte supports regulation but emphasized the jobs and revenue data centers could bring as the city faces a budget deficit.