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Commission backs addition of 'data center' use, requires conditional review to limit neighborhood impacts
Summary
The commission approved adding a defined 'data center' use to the zoning ordinance with equipment-screening rules and parking standards, and staff recommended conditional use permitting to allow site-specific review of utility and noise impacts.
The Forney Planning and Zoning Commission voted to recommend adding a formal definition and regulations for "data center" to the city's comprehensive zoning ordinance. Staff described the proposal as creating a definition that includes screening standards for cooling, ventilation and generator equipment and establishes parking ratios (1 space per 350 sq ft of office area, plus 1 per 5,000 sq ft for other areas).
Staff told commissioners the change responds to multiple inquiries about vacant properties suitable for data centers and noted that some existing planned-development ordinances already define the use but the general zoning ordinance did not. To address resident concerns about noise and utility demands, staff recommended handling data-center applications as conditional use permits to allow the commission and engineering review to evaluate proximity to subdivisions and utility capacity. During discussion a commissioner asked about buzzing/noise impacts; staff responded that screening and conditional-use review are tools to address complaints. The commission approved the ordinance amendment by voice vote and will forward the recommendation as part of the usual review process.
