Data centers hoping to call the city of Bastrop home could face more local oversight under zoning changes discussed by City Council on Aug. 11.
What’s changing
Council members and City Manager Sylvia Carrillo-Trevino discussed a potential zoning change that would require data centers in Industrial districts—where they are currently allowed—to obtain conditional-use permits.
Currently, the bulk of Industrial zoning is located in the Tahitian Village area just south of SH 21, between Lovers Lane and Mauna Loa Lane, and south to E. Keanahalululu Lane.
“The ones that are where they are prohibited, they will continue to be prohibited, and the ones that are permitted, they will go to conditional use,” Council Member Kerry Fossler clarified during the meeting. “So that any talk of data centers comes to this council first.
What we know
Data center developers are already required to get conditional-use permit approval in General Commercial districts, and no changes would be made to where they are currently prohibited, such as Parks & Open Space and Single-Family Residential.
The discussion comes as data center developments expand across Bastrop County, where more than 5,600 acres of projects have raised questions about water, air, noise and other impacts.
What’s next
Carrillo-Trevino said city staff is reviewing the federal executive order on data center infrastructure before finalizing a proposal.
She explained that an update is expected at the Aug. 25 meeting; however, no action items are expected at that time.
Any changes must first go through the Planning and Zoning Commission before returning to council for possible action.
Zooming out
At the county level, a coalition of Cedar Creek residents will host an Aug. 20 town hall on Pacifico Energy’s proposed natural gas-fired power facility and the data center it would serve.
The event runs from 6-9 p.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 4045 FM 535, Bastrop, and will also be streamed online via Zoom. Those interested can RSVP here.
