Restrictions on data centers move to Boerne City Council

The city of Boerne, Texas, is proactively moving to establish development restrictions on data centers, despite not yet having any within its city limits. This action comes after Governor Greg Abbott ordered an audit of data center power use statewide in August, citing that these facilities account for 90% of new large-load requests on the state's power grid.

Boerne's Planning and Zoning Commission recently provided a unanimous recommendation for new development standards. These proposed rules would confine future data centers to the city's heaviest industrial zones, mandate a Special Use Permit for each facility, and require a minimum 1,000-foot buffer from residential properties, primarily addressing noise concerns. The proposed regulations also stipulate that developers must present projected water and power consumption figures to city officials during the review process.

Local residents have expressed mixed reactions; some, like Carolyn Boller, advocate for even stricter limits, suggesting data centers be located in less populated areas. Others, including Gabriel Martinez, support restrictions but acknowledge potential economic benefits and improved noise reduction technologies, conditionally approving their placement in industrial zones.

The Planning and Zoning Commission's recommendations are slated for presentation to the Boerne City Council on October 27. Meanwhile, nearby San Antonio, which already hosts over 30 data centers, has also been holding community discussions on its own potential regulatory measures, including a requirement for city council review of each project's development plan by early October.