San Antonio District 10 councilmember seeks data center framework as City Council weighs zoning and resource safeguards

Framework proposal emerges as data center development accelerates

A San Antonio City Council member representing District 10 has called for a formal framework to guide how large-scale data centers are evaluated, sited and regulated as the industry expands across the region. The request comes as city leaders and utility officials weigh whether existing rules are sufficient for facilities that can carry significant demands for electricity and water, while also generating neighborhood concerns tied to land use compatibility.

The discussion has moved into a broader policy track at City Hall. A City Council conversation this week focused on whether changes to the city’s Unified Development Code (UDC) should be used to narrow where data centers can locate, including possible distance requirements from homes and other sensitive uses. City staff told council members that current local rules allow data centers in nearly all zoning categories except residential, an approach that has helped speed siting but has also limited the city’s ability to shape where the facilities cluster.

Zoning options under review, including buffers and an accelerated timeline

Among the options discussed were tighter zoning limitations and a potential 1,000-foot buffer from homes, parks, hospitals and other uses. City staff noted that UDC amendments typically follow a five-year cycle that is scheduled to begin again in January 2027, with internal work starting in mid-2026. The mayor signaled support for moving faster than the standard calendar, citing the pace of private-sector development decisions.

Utility leaders told council members there are more than 20 data centers already operating in the area, with additional projects in the pipeline. San Antonio Water System leadership described the risk as manageable in terms of system planning, while CPS Energy’s chief executive said the region can support additional data centers if aligned planning remains in place.

City policy process already underway on resource and infrastructure impacts

The District 10 call for a framework follows months of committee-level work that began with a Council Consideration Request initiated by District 6, where a large share of existing facilities are located. That request directed city departments to compile applicable local and state regulations, engage stakeholders including the utilities, identify code changes allowed under state law and return recommendations through the committee process.

That earlier request framed several unresolved questions that have carried into the current debate: how resource-intensive existing and planned facilities are, how growth could affect water and energy systems, and which policy tools the city can use to manage development responsibly.

Key issues the city is attempting to standardize

• Where data centers can be built under the UDC, including potential limits by zoning category
• Compatibility standards near neighborhoods, including possible setback or buffering requirements
• Coordination with CPS Energy and SAWS on load growth, water sourcing and long-range capacity planning
• Transparency expectations for residents as projects move from concept to permitting and construction

City officials are weighing whether data centers should continue to be permitted broadly across zoning categories or be steered through updated code standards designed for high-demand industrial uses.

No vote has been taken on a final framework. City leaders are expected to continue discussions through the committee process as staff evaluate zoning and permitting options, including whether changes should be advanced ahead of the next full UDC amendment cycle.