Restrictions on data centers move to Boerne City Council

Data centers are being built across Texas, prompting Gov. Greg Abbott in August to order an audit of their power use. Abbott said data centers made up about 90% of new large-load requests to the state’s power grid.

Although as of now there are none in the small but growing city of Boerne its city officials are taking steps to limit the potential impact of future projects on residents.

Boerne’s Planning and Zoning Commission this week unanimously recommended new development standards before any data centers arrive. The proposal would limit future facilities to the city’s heaviest industrial areas, require a Special Use Permit and keep them at least 1,000 feet from homes.

“I wouldn’t want it within 1,000 feet of my property,” a Boerne Planning and Zoning Commission member said.

The proposed rules would require the centers to be built 1000 feet form homes because of noise concerns and required developers to bring projected water and power use before city leaders as part of the review process.

Some residents support the recommendations but want stricter limits.

“Much more than 1,000 feet away from homes, I think it should be West Texas. That would be great, where there are hardly any people living,” Boerne resident Carolyn Boller said.

Others said they support restrictions but do not want to prevent data centers from coming to Boerne altogether, citing possible economic opportunities and newer technology designed to reduce noise.

“If you’re going to put them in Boerne and they’re in industrial areas, in construction or whatever the case may be, I think that would be perfectly fine,” Boerne resident Gabriel Martinez said.

San Antonio is already home to more than 30 data centers and has held community meetings on potential rules of its own. Those discussions have included requiring each project’s development plan to go before City Council for review in a special session by early October.

Back in Boerne, the Planning and Zoning Commission’s recommendations now head to City Council, where it is expected to be presented to them on Oct. 27.