San Antonio considers new rules as data center development grows
San Antonio residents raised concerns about water use, electricity demand, noise and neighborhood impacts from the city’s growing data center development. Organizers and Councilman Rick Galvan are seeking clearer definitions, zoning rules, site-plan requirements and updated building and fire codes; the City Council is scheduled to present and vote on the issue October 29.
Residents gathered at Northwest Vista College for a town hall on how San Antonio should regulate expanding data center development. Speakers cited concerns about water consumption, electricity costs and demand, noise, neighborhood impacts, transparency and the lack of advance notice before projects receive permits.
District 6 Councilman Rick Galvan, the Greater Edwards Aquifer Alliance and Public Citizen hosted the meeting. They are seeking a clearer definition of data centers, revised zoning qualifications, site-plan requirements and updated fire and building codes. Galvan said San Antonio has nearly 30 data centers, including roughly 18 or 19 in District 6, and said local policies should ensure communities are not left behind. No decisions were made at the town hall; the City Council is expected to hold a presentation and vote on October 29.