San Antonio is weighing changes to its policies on large-scale data center developments as a broader debate plays out across the state and the country over how the facilities affect nearby neighborhoods.
City discussions began today with community feedback on possible changes that could include zoning regulations and updates to the city’s Unified Development Code for future developments. The central questions for the city are whether large-scale data centers impact the lives of surrounding communities and, if so, what restrictions should be placed on future projects.
Community members told city leaders they want more rules and restrictions on where and how data centers are built. One speaker said, “I think the answer is there needs to be a study that can’t come up with an arbitrary number like 500 feet – without understanding the impacts to the people that are going to be impacted by noise- light – and pollution.”
City Council members Ric Galvan, Teri Castillo and Ivalis Meza Gonzalez called for a special council meeting to establish a moratorium, or temporary pause, on developments that are in progress.
No action on a moratorium was taken today, but discussions are expected to continue into October, when the city plans to revisit whether a temporary moratorium is necessary or whether the solution will come through changes to the Unified Development Code.
After the meeting, Galvan described the day’s talks as productive and said he hopes the discussions continue as the city moves forward.