San Antonio City Council Approves Tougher Zoning Rules for New Data Centers
The San Antonio City Council voted 9-2 to adopt tougher zoning rules for new data centers. The regulations require each proposed facility to receive specific-use authorization and council approval, while setting location and setback requirements and prohibiting development in the Edwards Research Recharge Zone.
The San Antonio City Council voted 9-2 to approve a plan sponsored by District 6 Councilman Rick Galvan that tightens the city’s data center zoning rules. Under the adopted framework, proposed facilities must undergo a specific-use authorization process and receive council review before proceeding. The rules also retain requirements limiting data centers to commercial and industrial areas, requiring 500-foot setbacks, and barring them from the Edwards Research Recharge Zone.
The vote followed protests from residents seeking stronger safeguards as San Antonio’s data center industry expands. Supporters of the rules emphasized community input, diesel generator concerns and environmental protection, while Councilman Marc Whyte and others pointed to the jobs and tax revenue associated with the facilities. Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones also raised concerns about the proximity of diesel generators to a playground during a recent data center visit.