Killeen leaders work to craft data center zoning requirements as Texas moratorium pauses new projects
Killeen leaders are developing data center zoning requirements while a statewide Texas moratorium pauses new data center openings. The city abandoned plans to require conditional use permits for every project and is instead considering adding supplemental conditions to its existing zoning code, amid concerns about regional electricity and water demand.
Killeen officials are working on local regulations for potential data center projects while a statewide Texas moratorium prevents new facilities from opening during an evaluation of their effects on water and electrical infrastructure. The City Council recently reversed an earlier plan to pursue a conditional use permit process and is considering amendments to existing zoning conditions instead.
Councilmember At-Large Mellisa Brown said conditional use permits would provide greater project-by-project oversight, while Executive Director of Development Services Wallis Meshier said codified requirements could offer developers clearer expectations and faster approvals. Both approaches would establish safeguards through public hearings before the Planning and Zoning Commission and City Council. Officials also said data center growth in nearby Temple is already affecting Killeen because the communities share an electrical grid and regional water resources.