Data center bans have been challenged, but Dallas wants more control
Five Dallas City Council members are proposing an update to the city's development code to create a specific land use for data centers, aiming for greater control over their location and impact. This initiative arises amid increasing statewide opposition and actions, including a moratorium from Gov. Abbott and local bans in other Texas cities. The council seeks to address resident concerns regarding energy and water usage and to ensure appropriate zoning for future developments.
A recent University of Texas/Texas Politics Project poll indicates significant public opposition to data center construction in Texas, prompting governmental actions across the state. In Dallas, five City Council members—Chad West, Laura Cadena, Gay Donnell Willis, Zarin Gracey, and Paul Ridley—have submitted a memorandum calling for a council vote within 30 days to update the Dallas Development Code. This proposed update would introduce a land use specifically for data centers, moving away from their current