Austin Considers Plan to Handle Data Centers: Treat 'Em Like Adult Businesses
Austin officials are considering land-development rules that would treat data centers as undesirable in residential areas, similar to adult-oriented businesses. Residents have protested data center construction over noise and electricity-use concerns, while Councilmember Mike Siegel expects large data centers could be banned in the Austin area by the end of the year.
Austin Mayor Kirk Watson and the Austin City Council are weighing proposed land-development rules for data centers. A city staff memo recommends classifying the facilities as undesirable in residential neighborhoods, using an approach similar to the city’s treatment of adult-oriented businesses because of their lighting, noise and industrial character.
The debate also reflects concerns about the electricity required to cool and operate large data centers, as well as potential effects on local power prices. Residents have protested data center projects in Austin, and Councilmember Mike Siegel said ordinances are unlikely before spring but predicted that large data centers could be banned in the Austin area by the end of the year.