Public Hearing and Ordinance - Zoning Application No. ZTA2026-01

Staff Report & Agenda Item Details

A public hearing was held Zoning Text Amendment No. 2026-01. Adam Bailey, Director of Planning and Development Services, stated that staff proposes a comprehensive Zoning Text Amendment to establish the City's first regulatory framework governing data centers as a distinct land use. The amendment addresses a significant gap in the current Mesquite Zoning Ordinance (MZO), which does not define or regulate data centers or account for their unique operational characteristics. Mr. Bailey stated that the amendment package consists of three exhibits. Exhibit A creates new MZO Section 3.514, establishing all applicable data center standards, including Conditional Use Permit requirements, site and building design, screening, lighting, noise, generator and generator yard standards, water and wastewater, traffic, security, battery energy storage, and decommissioning. Exhibit B contains companion MZO amendments, including updated citywide glare and lighting performance standards (§1.408), updated landscape requirements, a revised Schedule of Permitted Uses, revised development and parking standards, new battery energy storage system regulations (§3.515), new accessory backup generators regulations (§3.516), and updated definitions. Exhibit C amends City Code §10-75 to add use-specific maximum permissible sound levels for data centers and battery energy storage systems. Under the proposed framework, data centers would be permitted only by CUP in the Industrial (I) zoning district and qualifying Planned Development districts. (1) Lance Pope, 2519 Moreland Drive, expressed support for the proposed zoning text amendment. (2) Debbie David, 509 Horseshoe Bend, expressed opposition to the proposed zoning text amendment. (3) Wendy Griffin, 1001 Primrose Street; and Megan Stormer, 637 Windsong, expressed concerns regarding the proposed zoning text amendment. No others appeared regarding the proposed Zoning Text Amendment No. 2026-01. Mr. Hubacek moved to keep the public hearing open and postpone consideration of Zoning Text Amendment No. 2026-01 until the July 20, 2026, City Council meeting. Motion was seconded by Ms. Rodriguez-Ross. On call for a vote on the motion, the following votes were cast: Ayes: Hubacek, Rodriguez-Ross, Alemán, Green, Casper, Murden Nayes: Smith Motion carried.

This motion is scored as EXPANDS_GOVERNMENT (Impact Weight: 7.6/10). Under the Bastiat Liberty Watchdog Index, measures that increase tax rates or fee schedules, issue new debt or Certificates of Obligation, expand regulatory/zoning restrictions on private land use, or authorize unbudgeted spending expansions reduce an official's Freedom Score when voted YES (and reward dissenting NO votes).