At Tuesday’s Arlington City Council meeting, staff unveiled a detailed report on the types of data centers that could operate in the city and the zoning standards needed to protect nearby properties and families. While interest from large‑scale developers remains low, the council is exploring how modest‑size facilities could spur economic growth without compromising the quality of life for residents.
Current interest and zoning gaps
Mayor Jim Ross confirmed that Arlington has not yet attracted major hyperscale data‑center proposals. “We really don’t have any way to specifically guide them through the process, if they come up here, and make sure that they’re a good fit for us,” Ross said. The city’s unified development code currently lacks clear language on how data centers would be permitted or which zoning districts would apply.
Proposed amendments to protect neighborhoods
City staff recommend amending the development code to establish standards for location, design and operations of data‑center facilities. The proposed rules would address lot sizing, building setbacks from homes, noise limits, water‑use restrictions and closed‑loop cooling systems. By setting these safeguards, the council aims to ensure that any future data‑center projects are compatible with Arlington’s residential neighborhoods and family‑friendly environment.
Edge and enterprise facilities seen as realistic options
According to the report, the most compatible data‑center model for Arlington is the “edge” facility – a relatively small, decentralized hub placed close to end users to reduce latency. Edge centers typically require 100 kilowatts to 1 megawatt of power – roughly the amount needed to run 250 homes during ERCOT’s peak hours – and occupy 1 to 2 acres, often fitting within existing cell‑tower sites.
Enterprise‑type data centers, which serve a single company’s internal needs, also have a high likelihood of coming to Arlington. These projects usually need 5 to 10 acres and already include a local example: the D.R. Horton data center located off Interstate 30.
Why hyperscale projects are unlikely
The report notes that Arlington’s built‑out status – about 95 % developed – leaves little room for the massive land parcels required by hyperscale facilities, which are typically owned by tech giants such as Meta and Google. While such large centers are operating in nearby North Texas locations, the city’s limited industrial land makes them an improbable fit.
Potential for repurposing existing structures
City officials also see an opportunity to convert existing warehouses or industrial buildings into smaller data‑center sites. This approach would reuse existing infrastructure, preserve open land, and align with the council’s goal of responsible economic development that respects family neighborhoods.
Next steps
Staff will draft the proposed amendments and bring them before the council for a vote. If adopted, the new code would give developers a clear pathway to build edge or enterprise data centers while ensuring that noise, water use and setbacks protect Arlington’s homes and schools.
“We might be at a point where somebody comes to us and we won’t have the right answers right away,” planning and development services director Gincy Thoppil said, emphasizing the council’s commitment to thoughtful, family‑centered growth.
Arlington residents can expect further updates as the council works to balance economic opportunity with the community values that make the city a great place to raise families.
Original reporting: Fort Worth Report — read the source article.
