Fort Worth data center development and regulation

The Fort Worth City Council approved an amended site plan for a $10 billion data center project led by Black Mountain. Following community backlash regarding the facility’s proximity to residential areas, the council voted 7-4 to approve a revised 187-acre plan. The updated design reduces the number of buildings from 18 to four, increases the maximum building height to 70 feet, and incorporates green space buffers. Additionally, zoning language was amended to require a minimum distance of 300 feet between the center and nearby homes.

In response to broader development trends, the city has established the Data Center & Infrastructure Commission. This 11-member group, led by Michael Slattery of Texas Christian University, consists of academics, industry representatives, and community advocates. The commission is tasked with researching power consumption, water usage, land use, and neighborhood impacts to provide recommendations to the Mayor and City Council regarding potential regulations or moratoriums on data center growth.