Dallas City Council to Review Data Center Development Rules
Dallas is considering new zoning rules for data centers due to growing land use concerns, particularly regarding electricity and water consumption. A city council memo requested a public hearing to amend existing regulations or create a new land-use category. This comes as data center development expands in North Texas, with projects like Equinix's facility and Crow Holdings' planned campus.
Dallas City Hall is actively considering new regulations for data center development within the city. Council Member Chad West, supported by four other council members, filed a memo requesting a public hearing to update the city's development code. The proposal aims to address growing land use concerns by amending existing rules for "communications exchange facilities" or creating a distinct land-use category specifically for data centers, which are currently often allowed "by right" in many non-residential and mixed-use zones.
The push for new rules comes as data center construction becomes a contentious issue across Texas, with residents raising concerns about electricity and water consumption, noise, and proximity to residential areas. While Dallas has experienced less public controversy than some neighboring communities, significant data center projects are underway or planned, including an $836 million facility by Equinix and a proposed 245-megawatt campus by Crow Holdings along the Stemmons corridor.
Council Member West emphasized the need to ensure data centers are "zoned and regulated appropriately" given their unique demands on energy and water, and their compatibility within an urban environment. A public hearing on the matter is expected to be held within the next 30 days to review how this new land use fits into the city code.