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Council holds first reading on expanded aerospace/light-manufacturing zoning; residents warn of data-center risk
Summary
Council conducted a first reading of Ordinance 11-2026 to expand the definition of light manufacturing to include aerospace and defense research; residents urged clearer limits and warned the language could permit water- and power-hungry data centers without explicit prohibition.
The City Council held the first of two required public hearings on Ordinance 11-2026, a proposed amendment to the municipal code expanding the definition of light manufacturing to explicitly include aerospace and defense-related research and manufacturing.
Brad Parish, community development director, explained the ordinance would also allow childcare facilities and standalone parking structures as limited uses in the Planned Industrial Development (PID) zoning district and would expand the definition of light manufacturing in multiple industrial zoning districts. Parish said the primary objective is clarifying what uses qualify as light industrial to attract aerospace supply-chain activity, much of which would locate near the airport.
Several residents urged caution. Kathleen O'R told the council the broad language could be used to approve data centers that consume substantial water and electricity, increasing pressure on local aquifers and stormwater systems. "Data centers consume enormous amounts of water and electricity," she said, urging that data centers be explicitly prohibited or that clearer limits be included before final adoption.
Council members debated options to limit potential mismatches between zoning and the city’s comprehensive plan. Member Muscoso and others suggested restricting the new language to the industrial areas around the airport or strengthening performance limitations for downtown mixed-use areas. Staff said narrowing the ordinance to a single area would likely require re-advertising the ordinance and additional hearings; alternatively, stronger limits could be incorporated for downtown subdistricts.
Parish said staff will provide maps and additional detail ahead of the next public hearing: Planning & Zoning will review on June 3 and council will consider final adoption on June 9. Council did not vote to adopt the ordinance at this meeting—the first reading concluded with direction to return with more targeted options and impact assessments.
