Fort Worth releases timeline for data center rules, moratorium
Fort Worth residents have until July 15 to provide comments on proposed data center regulations before the City Council considers revised rules and initiating a temporary moratorium. The City Council will review updated recommendations on August 4 and vote on August 11 to begin the legal process for a moratorium, with a final decision potentially in December. This follows the Zoning Commission's recommendation to deny the current ordinance, citing a need for more review and public feedback.
The city of Fort Worth, Texas, has outlined a timeline for residents to comment on proposed data center regulations, with a deadline of July 15. The Fort Worth City Council is scheduled to consider revised rules and the initiation of a legal process for a temporary moratorium on new data center development. City staff will present updated recommendations during an August 4 work session, followed by a City Council vote on an ordinance to begin the moratorium process on August 11.
This August 11 vote would not immediately enact a moratorium but would commence the state-required legal procedures, including public hearings. A final council vote on a moratorium is not anticipated until December. The updated timeline comes after the Fort Worth Zoning Commission's 7-4 vote last week, which recommended denying the current ordinance. Commissioners expressed support for stronger regulations but requested additional time to review the proposal and incorporate public feedback.
Revisions to the proposed regulations are expected to address various concerns, including land use, neighborhood compatibility, water usage, noise pollution, and economic development incentives related to data centers.