Fort Worth City Council considers data center moratorium after zoning rejection

The Fort Worth City Council is considering a temporary moratorium on new data center developments, with a majority of council members expressing support for the measure. This comes after the Fort Worth Zoning Commission previously rejected initial attempts to regulate data centers through the city's zoning laws, which would have restricted placement and set standards for lighting and landscaping near residential areas. Councilwoman Elizabeth Beck, who represents parts of downtown and South Fort Worth, affirmed her support for a moratorium, citing the city's struggle to effectively regulate data centers and residents' concerns about their placement.

Beck clarified that the proposed moratorium would be a temporary pause, lasting up to 90 days with a potential 90-day extension, totaling a maximum of 180 days, as permitted by state law. During this period, city staff would work to develop "robust, refined regulations" for data centers, similar to how the city addressed gas well drilling ordinances in the past. The debate centers on balancing economic benefits, such as the $83 million in property taxes generated over five years, with quality of life issues for residents. Concerns raised by citizens include noise, increased traffic, and the long-term impacts on water supply and the reliability of electrical systems, with some drawing parallels to issues in Memphis, Tennessee.

Councilwoman Beck expressed hope that the State of Texas would provide meaningful regulation and guidance to cities regarding data center siting, protecting both urban and rural areas. She emphasized the importance of ensuring data centers are "good neighbors" and questioned the practice of offering incentives to these companies. The discussion highlighted the challenge for leaders to keep up with rapidly changing technology and the economy, advocating for a deliberate approach to regulation that can evolve with technological advancements.