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Forney council tables data-center zoning changes after residents and council raise water, noise and infrastructure concerns
Summary
After a lengthy staff presentation and public hearing, Forney City Council voted to table a proposed ordinance that would add a definition and zoning rules for data centers and instead directed staff to research tighter restrictions, setbacks and potential loopholes. Residents urged that equipment be enclosed and questioned water and power impacts.
Forney City Council on March 17 opened a public hearing and debated a proposed amendment to the city's zoning ordinance that would add a specific definition for "data center" and allow the use in certain districts only with a conditional use permit. Peter Morgan, a city planning staff member, told the council "staff has recently received increased interest in the development of future data center developments" and recommended defining the use and requiring a conditional use permit so the city can review site-specific impacts.
Council members pressed staff and legal counsel on limits and enforcement. One councilmember said they did not like "the idea of a data center being in Forney" and asked whether the city was legally required to adopt a definition now or could delay. City legal counsel advised that establishing a use category with a CUP gives the council legislative control and prevents applicants from trying to fit the use into a different permitted industrial classification. Council members repeatedly raised concerns about water consumption, electrical load and noise, and asked staff to identify potential "back doors" developers might use to locate facilities close to neighborhoods.
Residents who spoke at the public hearing urged caution. Diane McPherson said, "We can't afford to have something like this come to Forney" because of electricity and water demands. Jayshree Patel urged the council to "keep investigating" and to study environmental and health impacts and potential loopholes. Adam Wise, who said he performs cybersecurity work for the state, said he opposed a data center near homes, calling it "something we don't need in our city." Peter Morgan told the public the city has been contacted by developers and engineers exploring proposals but that exact locations typically remain confidential until a proposal is further developed.
After discussion the council moved to table the zoning amendment and directed staff to return with research on the tightest restrictions the city could adopt: larger setbacks, ensuring all mechanical equipment be enclosed where feasible, identification and closure of zoning "back doors," and evaluation of infrastructure impacts and funding responsibilities. The motion to table was made by Councilmember Schlenzker and seconded by Councilmember Chambers; the motion passed.
