Fort Worth Zoning Commission hears public comment on data centers
The Fort Worth Zoning Commission is holding public hearings on proposed regulations for data centers, addressing community concerns about noise, water usage, and impact on neighborhoods. These regulations include new setbacks, noise limits, and updated rules for economic development incentives, with the City Council expected to vote in August. The city aims to balance economic benefits with public concerns amidst rapid data center growth in Texas.
The Fort Worth Zoning Commission held public hearings on Wednesday to gather community feedback regarding proposed regulations for data centers. These discussions are part of an ongoing effort to address concerns from residents about noise pollution, water consumption, and the general impact of data centers on nearby neighborhoods.
The proposed amendments, introduced in June, seek to establish specific standards for data centers, including new setbacks and noise limits. Additionally, the city is considering restricting new data centers to industrial zoning districts and reclassifying cryptocurrency mining to allow for stricter regulation due to similar concerns over resource use. The proposal also aims to revise city rules concerning water usage and criteria for economic development incentives offered to data center developers.
City officials highlighted that data centers have contributed over $83 million in gross property tax revenue to Fort Worth in the last five years. However, the rapid expansion of data centers across Texas has also prompted state-level attention. Governor Greg Abbott has identified data center regulation as a priority for the 2027 legislative session, urging state regulators like the Public Utility Commission and ERCOT to ensure the industry covers its growth costs. Proposed state laws include mandates for water-efficient technology, reporting on utility usage, measures to lower electricity costs for consumers, and the repeal of certain sales tax exemptions.
The Fort Worth City Council is scheduled to vote on these proposed policy changes on August 11, following the Zoning Commission's review.