Lubbock commission delays vote on data center zoning rules
The Lubbock Planning and Zoning Commission has delayed its decision on proposed large-scale data center zoning restrictions. The commission is considering new requirements including water use restrictions, setbacks, and power use feasibility studies. Concerns exist that the current draft may be too stringent, potentially preventing data centers from locating within the city.
The Lubbock Planning and Zoning Commission has postponed its decision on new zoning regulations for large-scale data centers, citing a need for further discussion and refinement of the proposals. The commission is currently outlining recommendations to update the city's Unified Development Code (UDC), which serves as the rulebook for land use.
The proposed amendments include creating a specific land use designation for large-scale data centers with new requirements such as restrictions on water usage, a mandatory 500-foot setback from other properties, and a power use feasibility study. Commission member Robert Wood expressed concerns that the current requirements might be too tough, potentially deterring hyper-scale data center development within Lubbock city limits.
Commission members plan to engage with citizens and city staff in an upcoming work session to address these concerns and refine the proposals. Following their recommendations, the matter will then proceed to the Lubbock City Council for its consideration.