Caddo Parish considers rules for temporary worker housing near data center sites

The Caddo Parish Commission is currently discussing a proposed ordinance to regulate temporary workforce housing facilities, often referred to as "crew camps," within the unincorporated areas of Caddo Parish, Louisiana. This initiative is a direct response to the industrial growth spurred by large data center projects in the Shreveport-Bossier region, which are expected to bring hundreds of temporary construction workers.

Commissioner John Paul Young emphasized that the ordinance aims to address the potential influx of non-local workers should local housing options prove insufficient. The proposed rules would mandate that operators of these housing sites register with the parish and adhere to health, fire safety, sanitation, lighting, fencing, and occupancy standards. Young's primary concern is ensuring the safety and quality of life for both the temporary workers and the surrounding residents, as well as establishing plans for site restoration after projects conclude.

While prompted by data center development, the commissioner noted that the ordinance would apply to any large construction project requiring temporary worker housing in Caddo Parish. Separately, Commissioner Young is also advocating for data center companies to implement rainwater capture systems. He argues that the large impervious surfaces of data centers, such as parking lots and roofs, can contribute to neighborhood flooding, and capturing this water could serve as a valuable resource for the facilities' operational needs.