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Brownsville staff outline UDC rules for data centers; commissioners set moratorium process amid strong public opposition
Summary
City planners proposed UDC amendments to restrict data centers to heavy‑industrial zones via special‑use permits, require closed‑loop cooling, developer‑funded utility upgrades and a one‑year initial trial SUP; commissioners authorized a moratorium process as staff works on final rules after dozens of residents urged a ban.
Daniel Lial, director of planning and redevelopment services, opened the work session saying, "Today's work session focuses on proposed updates to the unified development code," and framed staff's effort to add rules for five land uses including data centers.
Senior planner Carlos Guerra detailed the draft approach for data centers: closed‑loop cooling only, SUPs limited to heavy industrial zones, developer responsibility for infrastructure upgrades and a one‑year initial SUP to allow compliance review. Guerra told the commission staff "would only permit closed loop systems" and recommended buffers, minimum landscape screening and that backup generators be sited at least 300 feet from property lines to reduce noise and nuisance risks. Staff also proposed requiring a letter from utilities verifying electrical load and a water‑disposal plan compliant with the Texas Administrative Code chapter referenced in the presentation.
The commission and staff discussed timing. Staff recommended public hearings in September and October and explained the statutory moratorium timeline: an initial 90‑day moratorium can be extended once for another 90 days. A staff representative said the moratorium would be used as an interim measure “so that we don't rush through the process” while the UDC amendments are developed.
The meeting record shows strong public concern about water consumption, grid impacts and noise. Commissioners signaled they would continue work on the UDC text and bring the moratorium and amendments forward to public hearings for formal adoption.
