Data centers in Bedford? Not so fast, city officials say
Bedford, Texas, officials are updating their zoning ordinance to include regulations for data centers, despite no specific projects currently being proposed in the city. The new ordinance aims to confine data centers to industrial areas and require a special use permit to protect residents and avoid future litigation. This proactive measure comes as the city plans for potential future developments.
Bedford, Texas, city officials are proactively revising their zoning ordinance to establish regulations for data centers, despite no immediate proposals for such developments within the city. Mayor Dan Cogan stated that the goal is to implement safeguards and protections for residents, who have expressed concerns, especially given data center projects in nearby communities like Westlake. Cogan stressed the importance of regulation over outright bans to prevent potential future litigation.
City Manager Andrea Roy explained that the current zoning ordinance, which is decades old, lacks definitions for modern land uses like data centers and crypto mining. The comprehensive update aims to incorporate these new uses, with the draft ordinance expected to restrict data centers to Bedford’s "extraordinarily limited" industrial zoned areas, estimated at only four acres. Roy noted that Bedford is 98% built out, making large-scale data center development challenging, but emphasized the necessity of planning for future possibilities.
The proposed zoning changes also include establishing a special use permit (SUP) process, which would allow data center projects to be considered on a case-by-case basis. This process would involve public notice, hearings, and a comment period, providing city officials with greater control over specific project parameters, such as setbacks. The updated ordinance is anticipated to go before the Planning and Zoning Commission in the fall and the city council in the winter.