Hillsboro, Texas, Commissioners Table Data Center Zoning Discussion Amid Opposition

Hillsboro, Texas, city leaders, including the Planning and Zoning Commission, tabled a discussion on Monday regarding a proposed zoning text amendment for data centers. The amendment aimed to create specific processes and requirements for future data center projects, replacing the current approach where they might fall under heavy industrial use regulations. Planning Director Richard Reinhardt emphasized the amendment would require data centers to obtain specific use permits and go through both the planning commission and city council. The discussion was prompted by Provident Data Centers, headquartered in Dallas, which proposes to build a data center on 300 acres in north Hillsboro. The company currently operates nine data centers, including four in Texas. Proposed zoning requirements included conditions such as a 1,000-foot setback from residential areas. Despite these proposed regulations, a large group of over 100 Hill County residents attended the meeting, expressing strong opposition to the project. Their concerns included high water usage, significant infrastructure demands, and the potential long-term impact on the agricultural community and rural lifestyle. Residents cited specific power consumption figures and worried about resource strain. After more than two hours of public comment, commissioners decided to table the discussion, requesting more information on potential impacts and time to reevaluate requirements. Commissioner Richard Fisher highlighted the city's responsibility to ensure any future project is handled safely. Residents are expected to continue their opposition at an upcoming Hillsboro City Council meeting.