SAN ANGELO, TX — The San Angelo City Council on Tuesday reviewed proposed design guidelines and conditional use standards for large-scale data centers, as city staff seeks input on regulations that would apply to a potential Skybox Data Centers project and future similar developments.
Planning and Development Director Aaron Vannoy presented the draft standards during the Feb. 17 meeting, focusing on a city-owned site northeast of San Angelo near U.S. Highway 67 and City Farm Road. Skybox Data Centers has expressed interest in purchasing the property for a facility.
The council in January approved rezoning the tract from ranch-and-estate to light manufacturing, clearing the way for data center consideration. The proposed rules would require a conditional-use permit for any data center exceeding 3,000 square feet on land zoned light or heavy manufacturing.
Key guidelines under discussion include:
- Setback buffer zones
- Landscaping requirements
- Noise restrictions
- Lighting standards
- Traffic and parking plans
- Fencing, screening and retaining walls
Noise emerged as a primary concern. The draft limits sound levels to 60 dBA during daytime and 55 dBA at night, measured at the property line. Generator testing would be restricted to 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. unless otherwise approved, and developers would be required to conduct noise studies before and after construction.
During public comment, resident Russell Gully questioned whether a conditional-use permit was sufficient, urging the council to “scale this back and look at what really protects San Angelo and its citizens.”
City staff plans to present the proposal to the Planning Commission on March 16. The commission will forward recommendations to the City Council on March 17, with a potential second reading and final vote scheduled for April 7.
Residents seeking more information can contact Rick Weise, the city’s chief project officer, at [email protected].
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