BRENHAM CITY COUNCIL TO PERFORM SECOND READING OF NEW RULES FOR CAR WASHES, DATA CENTERS
The Brenham City Council will meet Thursday to perform the second reading of code amendments adding new restrictions for car washes and data centers.
Councilmembers unanimously adopted the code amendments on their first reading during their meeting on May 7th, putting additional standards into place for car washes and data centers.
The changes require all new car wash facilities, as well as existing ones that undergo a large renovation, to use water recycling systems, low-flow spray nozzles or other means to limit potable water usage to 55 gallons per vehicle wash. The restrictions do not apply if the car washes incorporate private water well systems, which use groundwater rather than drinking water. Additionally, effective July 1st, new car washes will only be allowed if they are granted a specific use permit from the council and the Planning and Zoning Commission.
For data centers, the code amendments officially define them and designate them as specific uses in industrial districts, meaning they will be subject to public hearings and a property-specific analysis. They will also be restricted from using water-based cooling methods, and they will face requirements to submit electric demand reports; screen all ground-mounted equipment; adhere to a minimum of one off-street parking space per 300 square feet of floor area used for office, meeting, training or security personnel uses; and maintain at least 300 feet of distance between any data center building or ancillary equipment and the property line of a residential or public institutional use.
In other business, the council will act on a resolution authorizing the submission of a grant application to the Texas Water Development Board under the Water Supply and Infrastructure Program, associated with the 2027 State Water Plan. It will also hear updates on the Economic Development Department and Main Street Program, and it will look to accept a donation from the Fortnightly Club for the Nancy Carol Roberts Memorial Library.
The council will meet Thursday at 1 p.m. at Brenham City Hall.
Click here to view the agenda packet for Thursday's meeting.