Council Begins Process of Banning Large-Scale Data Centers
The Austin City Council is initiating a process to ban large-scale and hyperscale data centers within city limits, citing concerns over high energy and water consumption, environmental impacts, and potential increases in electricity costs for residents. Mayor Kirk Watson and several council members expressed strong commitment to preventing new large data centers, directing the City Manager to draft necessary amendments to the Land Development Code. This action comes after public and council discussions emphasizing the need to freeze new data center approvals in the city's extraterritorial jurisdiction.
The Austin City Council has begun the process of banning large-scale and hyperscale data centers within Austin city limits, following a unanimous vote to direct City Manager T.C. Broadnax to draft amendments to the Land Development Code. Mayor Kirk Watson opened the discussion by noting recent Council posts stressing the need to freeze data center approvals in Austin’s extraterritorial jurisdiction until a policy is finalized. Council members Vanessa Fuentes, Ryan Alter, José Velásquez, Zo Qadri, and Mike Siegel explicitly stated their commitment to preventing any large data centers within the city.
Joi Harden of the Austin Planning Department explained that a ban must be implemented through the city's zoning process, allowing for public comment and amending the Land Development Code, which currently lacks a definition for "data center." Harden indicated the process could conclude by spring of next year. She presented common concerns about large data centers, including their high energy and water consumption, sound and light pollution, and