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Weatherford staff postpones proposed data‑center code amendment after notice confusion
Summary
Planning Director McDonald told the commission a staff‑proposed code amendment addressing data centers—published in the newspaper—has been postponed indefinitely; citizens in the audience urged community engagement and raised concerns about water, power and noise should the proposal return.
Planning Director Scott McDonald told the Weatherford Planning and Zoning Commission on Jan. 14 that a staff‑proposed amendment to the city code to clarify standards for data centers was published in accordance with state notice requirements but is not being brought forward to council at this time and has been postponed indefinitely.
"That item was staff proposed, and it was an amendment to our code," McDonald said, adding that the proposal was not about any specific data center but intended to tighten use standards so the city would have clear guidelines if a data center application is later submitted. He said staff will republish notice if and when the item returns to an agenda.
Several audience members expressed relief that the item was removed and urged the city to be proactive when the issue reappears. Tom Pace, who said he lives on Fox Road, praised the removal and listed community concerns including water use, power and noise, and suggested mitigation ideas such as rainwater collection systems and sound barriers. "I just would like to say a few things about it... water issues, power issues, noise issues," Pace said, and urged the commission to involve the community when the topic returns.
McDonald offered to speak with interested residents after the meeting to discuss the proposal and next steps. No formal action was taken; the commission did not discuss or vote on code language during the meeting.
Next steps: the staff‑proposed amendment remains off the agenda for now; if staff reintroduces a code amendment on data centers it will be republished and scheduled for public hearing.
