San Antonio Councilmember Seeks Stronger Data Center Regulations

San Antonio residents will have opportunities to weigh in on proposed changes to city regulations governing data center construction later this month.

Councilmember Galvan is calling for stronger requirements, including a proposal that would require all data centers to receive a Specific Use Authorization zoning designation. That change would give the City Council an opportunity to vote on every proposed data center in San Antonio.

The Department of Development Services held a series of stakeholder meetings after Galvan introduced a Council Consideration Request last year calling for a comprehensive review of data center growth and its potential effects on the city’s natural resources and infrastructure.

The department developed two proposals to amend the City’s Unified Development Code related to data centers. The proposals are scheduled for a public hearing before the Zoning Commission on October 20, 2026. They are also scheduled for a final vote by the City Council on October 29, 2026.

Community members can sign up to provide public comment at both meetings.

Galvan said San Antonio residents should have a say in where and how data centers are built. The councilmember also said requiring a City Council vote for all new data centers within city limits would provide the community with a meaningful voice in future development decisions.

The proposed regulatory changes follow the city’s review of data center growth and its potential impact on infrastructure and natural resources. The public hearings will give residents an opportunity to comment before the proposals advance to a final City Council vote.