Texas Governor Greg Abbott looks to be putting the brakes on the rapid expansion of data centers across the state, and it appears Temple officials are doing the same.
Proposed City Code Updates Could Reshape Temple’s Data Center Approval Process
Temple city officials are evaluating significant revisions to the local land-use framework that would increase public oversight and establish stricter requirements for commercial technology facilities.
Read More: What Texas Now Requires From Data Centers Before Grid Access
Proposed Planning and Zoning Commission Amendments
During an August 17 meeting, municipal staff introduced a series of proposed amendments to the Planning & Zoning Commission regarding the Unified Development Code (UDC). The UDC dictates how developers construct projects throughout the city by acting as the primary legal framework governing city zoning, civil engineering standards, and building protocols.
Current Commercial Project Guidelines in Temple
Under existing guidelines, technology infrastructure projects undergo standard administrative checks across engineering, fire safety, utility connection, and building safety divisions. Current regulations require developers to provide site-specific mitigation plans covering noise levels, outdoor lighting, landscape buffers, and traffic patterns.
Proposed Changes to Project Guidelines in Temple
The proposed UDC revisions would introduce a mandatory Conditional Use Permit (CUP) requirement for future data center construction. If adopted, developers would need explicit city approval through a formal permit process, even within zoning districts where industrial technology installations are typically allowed by right.
Proposed Changes Offer More Transparency
This added permitting tier ensures an additional layer of public review. City leadership would gain the authority to mandate comprehensive technical evaluations, specialized environmental impact studies, and custom site restrictions before granting construction clearance.
Industry Activity In Temple
The regulatory adjustments arrive during an increase in data center construction in East Bell County. Five data center facilities are currently approved or actively under construction in the surrounding area. Rowan Digital Infrastructure, the primary developer behind the sites, is seeking authorization for a sixth and final facility.
Data Center Controversy in Central Texas
The rapid growth of technology facilities has sparked debate among local residents. Earlier this year, community members organized a recall petition targeting Temple’s Mayor and two city council members over previous voting records favoring data center developments. Organizers failed to collect the required number of signatures to force a recall election.
Temple Public Hearing
The Temple City Council is scheduled to hold a public hearing and first reading on the proposed UDC updates during its September 3 meeting, followed by a final second reading on September 17.
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