Denton holds first hearing on a data center moratorium as Core Scientific eyes more land
Denton residents attended the first of two public hearings on a proposed 90-day data center moratorium, prompted by strong community opposition to further development. The potential pause comes as Core Scientific, the city's largest data center operator, is reportedly seeking more land for expansion. The City Council and Planning and Zoning Commission are also considering amendments to the development code to address environmental and infrastructure impacts.
The Denton City Council held the first of two public hearings regarding a proposed 90-day moratorium on new data center construction, following significant community opposition to data center development. Residents packed the meeting, expressing concerns over environmental impacts, strain on local resources, higher utility rates, and privacy. Mayor Chris Watts acknowledged the community's clear message against further data centers.
The proposed moratorium comes at a time when Core Scientific, the operator of Denton's largest data center, has approached Denton Municipal Electric about leasing additional public land for expansion. Core Scientific, which shifted its focus from bitcoin mining to artificial intelligence operations, previously received council approval to expand in November 2024, citing potential job creation and a significant increase in property tax value for the city. However, council members plan to review whether the company is meeting its predictions if the moratorium is approved.
Separately, the Denton Planning and Zoning Commission is holding a public hearing to amend the development code concerning zoning districts for modular and warehouse data centers, aiming to implement use-specific standards. This action is in direct response to public concern and the desire to adequately address potential negative environmental and infrastructure impacts from data center development within the city.