City Council to consider two paths forward to regulate data center development
San Antonio City Council is considering two regulatory approaches for data centers, including zoning requirements, public hearings and possible council approval. Council members and residents are concerned about noise, lighting, neighborhood impacts, Edwards Aquifer protection and rapid development, while a previously proposed moratorium was not pursued.
San Antonio City Council members are being briefed on two proposals to regulate data center development, following efforts led by Council Member Ric Galvan. One option would permit data centers in seven nonresidential zoning districts if they meet requirements for setbacks, landscaping, fuel-station placement and avoidance of the Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone. The other would require a specific use permit, council approval, public comment and stricter standards for noise, lighting, buffering and emergency services.
Galvan, Council Members Ivalis Meza Gonzalez and Teri Castillo, residents and environmental advocates have raised concerns about the rapid expansion of data centers on San Antonio’s West Side. A proposed moratorium on construction and permitting was discussed in August but was set aside as the city focused on revising zoning and land-use rules. Residents cited impacts from Microsoft’s existing facility, including persistent noise and nighttime lighting, and raised concerns about a Vantage data center under construction near a neighborhood pool. Representatives of the Greater Edwards Aquifer Alliance, Public Citizen, San Antonio Water System and CPS Energy also participated in discussions about the proposals and community impacts.