Council amends development code to make it tougher to build a data center in Denton
The Denton City Council unanimously approved development code amendments that restrict data centers to certain industrial and public-facility zones, require a 300-foot setback, and impose additional environmental, utility, and public-approval requirements. The council is also scheduled to hold a hearing on a possible 90-day data center moratorium, while residents continue to raise concerns about water use, energy demand, noise, light pollution, and wildlife impacts.
The Denton City Council voted 4-0 to amend the city’s development code and make data center construction subject to specific-use permits rather than allowing it by right. The new rules limit facilities to light industrial, heavy industrial, and public-facility zones; require a 300-foot setback and lighting controls; and mandate applicable utility approvals, water and wastewater studies, and closed-loop or free-air cooling systems.
The changes followed the rejection of a data center application that did not meet the city’s intake requirements. Officials said the new standards could potentially affect that proposal, although City Attorney Mack Reinwand said the application would require further review. Residents including Rachel Weaver supported stronger restrictions and cited concerns about water shortages, electricity demand, noise, light pollution, and environmental effects. The council plans another public hearing Oct. 27 on a possible 90-day moratorium on data center development.