CC 5-19-26: Data Center regulation items

The City of San Angelo held a council meeting on May 19, 2026, focusing on adopting new regulations for data centers, particularly concerning zoning, wastewater discharge, and water use. The council discussed amendments to the zoning ordinance to include conditional use permits for data centers in manufacturing zones, with specific requirements such as a 300-foot buffer from residential areas, opaque fencing, and noise limits capped at 55 decibels. They also addressed wastewater discharge regulations requiring all data center wastewater to be treated through the city's water reclamation system, with strict monitoring, reporting, and penalties for violations. Additionally, the council reviewed water use regulations that set maximum allowable cooling water volumes for data centers, using the Skybox Emergent project as an example, and emphasized that these limits are designed to protect the city's water resources without unduly restricting economic development. The ordinances passed unanimously, reflecting a comprehensive approach to managing the environmental and community impacts of data center developments.