Data centers, event halls face new approval process in Manvel

Data centers and event halls will now require a specific use permit, or SUP, to operate within Manvel city limits, following council’s approval of an amendment to the city’s zoning ordinance at its Aug. 3 meeting.

What you need to know

Following approval, information-related businesses, including data centers and other information processing operations, will require a SUP in areas zoned for heavy commercial use, according to city documents.

The amendment also requires SUP approval for places of assembly, including event halls, banquet facilities and catering services, which were previously allowed by right in nonresidential and multifamily zoning districts, city documents show.

New requirements for places of assembly include:

• Located along a major thoroughfare
• Parking provided on-site
• Property must be at least 3 acres

The change allows the city to review projects that may create impacts related to traffic, parking, noise and compatibility with nearby properties, city documents note.

Why now?

The zoning amendment is part of the city’s effort to manage future growth and ensure new development is compatible with surrounding properties, city documents show.

“It provides certainty to property owners, developers and residents about the types of development that are and are not permitted within our city,” Mayor Dan Davis said in an Aug. 3 social media post.