Center Point officials outline draft ordinance framework for data centers

Center Point city and Planning & Zoning officials used a joint work session on Sept. 29, 2026, to map the elements of a proposed ordinance to regulate data centers in the city. Participants discussed creating a separate zoning district for data centers, requiring Planning & Zoning review followed by City Council approval, and requiring approval for future expansions.

City Administrator Sarah Tritle said she believes she has enough feedback to draft proposed ordinance language for later review by the Planning & Zoning Commission and the City Council. The session enumerated specific regulatory areas to address, including property‑line setbacks, landscaping and fencing, utility capacity confirmations, environmental and stormwater studies, monitoring requirements, and possible decommissioning bonds based on square footage.

Council members and commissioners emphasized a process-oriented approach: formal review by Planning & Zoning followed by City Council consideration, rather than permitting by staff alone. The work session did not adopt any ordinance text; it was a fact‑finding and policy‑scoping meeting to identify topics for further research and drafting.