Fort Worth to continue public process on data center regulations

The City of Fort Worth is continuing its public engagement and policy development process for proposed data center regulations, with updated recommendations scheduled for City Council consideration in August. Due to interest in this process, we are providing the following information to clarify next steps.

Since presenting the proposed policy and zoning amendments to the City Council on June 2, City staff have gathered community input through multiple engagement opportunities, including:

An online public survey, open through July 15.

A public engagement meeting held June 30.

A July 8 presentation to the Zoning Commission, which provided feedback supporting stronger regulations and voted to recommend denial of the current draft to allow the proposal to continue to the City Council for further consideration.

City staff are reviewing public feedback and refining the proposed regulations. An update will be presented during the Aug. 4 City Council work session, including community input, recommended revisions and an overview of the moratorium process, requirements and timeline.

Based on recent direction from a majority of the City Council, staff will also prepare an ordinance for consideration at the Aug. 11 City Council meeting to initiate the legal process, as outlined under state law, to enact a moratorium on new data center development applications while the City completes its regulatory framework. If approved, the action would begin the public hearing process required under state law and ultimate council action to enact the moratorium would not be considered until December.

The City will continue working with residents, industry stakeholders and the City Council to develop regulations that protect neighborhoods, preserve quality of life and establish clear expectations for responsible, best-in-class data center development in Fort Worth.

The City will not be providing any interviews on data centers until council action on Aug. 11.