New rules expand oversight as San Antonio’s data center industry grows
San Antonio City Council approved new rules requiring proposed data centers to undergo public review and receive City Council approval. The changes respond to concerns about water and electricity use, noise, air quality and neighborhood impacts, while supporters say data centers bring jobs and tax revenue.
San Antonio City Council approved regulations requiring every proposed data center to undergo a public review process, present its full site plan and emergency plans, and obtain council approval. The rules change a previous process under which some projects could advance in certain zoning areas without a public meeting or council vote.
The action followed months of debate and growing neighborhood concerns about data centers’ water and electricity demands, noise, air quality and effects on property values. Councilman Ric Galvan supported the measure as a way to improve transparency and community involvement, while another council member and resident Chelsea Norris warned that excessive restrictions could drive away investment, jobs and tax revenue. Officials still must determine how the rules will affect projects already approved or still under review.