Model City Law · Drafted by the Lab

Draft Data Center Ordinance

The model city law Celaya Solutions Research drafted to set clear, equal terms for any large data center. It does not ban them — it makes them prove they will not harm our water and power, and pay their own way. Written to be neutral, sourced, and court-ready.

Author: Celaya Solutions Research LLC  ·  Status: Draft for community & Council use  ·  Format: Word (.docx)
El_Paso_Data_Center_Ordinance_DRAFT.docx
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What the ordinance does

  • Special permit + public hearing + Council vote for every big data center — no more quiet approvals.
  • Keeps them 1,000 feet from homes, schools, parks, hospitals, and churches.
  • Caps water, requires recycled water for cooling, and makes them meter and publish use every three months.
  • Cost-causation: the company pays 100% of the power and water upgrades it causes — not your utility bill.
  • Requires a teardown bond before opening, and sets daily fines (up to $2,000/day) with loss of permit for violations.
  • Built to hold up in court: neutral wording, sourced findings, and recommended local values now filled in (the City Attorney can confirm before adoption).