San Antonio Mayor Proposes Strict Rules for Data Center Operations

San Antonio Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones introduced a proposal on Tuesday to define the operational conditions for new data centers in the city. The plan requires the city council to review applications for these large facilities before granting approval. Ortiz Jones stated that the measure aims to balance technological growth with local community needs.

The proposed ordinance sets specific acoustic standards for the sites. Data centers would be limited to 63 decibels during the day, a level comparable to normal conversation. At night, the maximum allowable noise would drop to 56 decibels, similar to the hum of a refrigerator. These limits apply to the entire facility perimeter.

Distance from surrounding properties is another key component of the draft rules. The proposal mandates that data centers maintain a buffer of 1,000 feet from property lines. This requirement mirrors existing standards applied to detention centers in the jurisdiction. Developers must also replace any green space lost during construction with double the original area.

Additional regulations address infrastructure and transparency. Backup generators must be enclosed and ventilated to reduce visible impact and noise. Facilities would be required to monitor air quality in line with Texas Commission on Environmental Quality guidelines. The proposal also asks developers to disclose whether they consent to making utility consumption data public and to outline specific benefits for the local community.

The process for reviewing new applications includes mandatory public engagement. Developers must provide 45 days of notice before submitting a formal request. Following the submission, two public meetings are required. The San Antonio City Council is scheduled to vote on this ordinance on Thursday, October 29. Data centers serve as massive hubs for servers and computers that process information for internet services, digital platforms, and artificial intelligence systems.