Summary
The Colony now has rules on the books for data centers before any developer has asked. They're banned in every zoning district except Planned Development, with a 25-acre minimum, strict noise limits, a 1,000-foot buffer from homes, and required water and power studies. A resident warned these facilities can use up to a million gallons of water a day.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 2
- Last 30 days
- 0
Last discussed Aug 18, 2026.
Impact analysis
No direct cost now, but future data centers could strain city water and power infrastructure.
Residents near industrial land get noise, water and power protections before any data center is proposed.
None currently; future data center developers face a more demanding approval path.
Mentions & discussions (2)
City Council - Aug 18, 2026
The Colony now has rules on the books for data centers before any developer has asked. They're banned in every zoning district except Planned Development, with a 25-acre minimum, strict noise limits, a 1,000-foot buffer from homes, and required water and power studies. A resident warned these facilities can use up to a million gallons of water a day.
Planning & Zoning Commission - Aug 11, 2026
The Colony is writing rules for data centers before any developer asks to build one. Since the city is about 90% built out, the concern is that a data center could eat up scarce land while bringing little traffic, few jobs, and heavy demands on power and water. The rules would force any future proposal through the city's full Planned Development review rather than allowing them by right.
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