The Data Center Divide
A policy snapshot ahead of the 2026 midterms. Mapping data center incentives, restrictions, and bans through legislation, regulations, and executive actions across all 50 states and 1,462 local jurisdictions.
City of North Richland Hills
Anti-Data Center Policies
North Richland Hills requires special-use permits for data centers in allowed districts, adding public review and possible delays without banning them or setting new operating rules.
current law · City of North Richland HillsThis ordinance amends North Richland Hills’ zoning table to regulate “Data Center, General” and “Data Center, Small-Scale” as specifically identified uses, generally requiring a Special Use Permit in designated districts.North Richland Hills Ordinance No. 3965 (2026)
What this means
The ordinance would require a special use permit for data centers in the districts where they are allowed, adding public review and possible delays before projects can proceed (data center uses marked “S”). The change creates a meaningful approval hurdle, but it does not ban data centers or set new operating rules (special permits would end by-right allowances).
People behind it
- City Council of North Richland Hills
Proposed and enacted Ordinance No. 3965 amending the zoning regulations for data centers.
- Planning and Zoning Commission of North Richland Hills
Held the public hearing and recommended approval of the data-center zoning amendments.
- Alicia Richardson
City Secretary/Chief Governance Officer authorized to arrange publication of the ordinance as required by law.
Restrictions & requirementsHide restrictions & requirements1
Data Center, General and Data Center, Small-Scale uses are subject to condition 30 and require a Special Use Permit in the zoning districts marked “S” in the amended table, rather than being permitted by right.
Benefits & exceptionsHide benefits & exceptions2
The ordinance lists “Data Center, General” and “Data Center, Small-Scale” as permitted-use categories in the zoning table, allowing them in designated zoning districts when a special use permit is obtained. Both uses are subject to condition 30 and the applicable requirements of Section 118-633.
Small-scale data centers are shown with a special-use-permit designation in one additional zoning-district category compared with general data centers, providing a broader range of potentially eligible districts. Condition 30 and Section 118-633 requirements still apply.
Sources
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