Hutto to Weigh Massive Data Center Rezoning | The Locally Times
A 40-acre residential and commercial site could transform into a data center, prompting public hearings and concerns over infrastructure and local character.
Hutto stands at a crossroads as a proposal to transform 40 acres from residential and commercial use into a massive data center heads to public review. The Zydeco Hutto Data Center project, located at 450 Ed Schmidt Boulevard, could dramatically reshape local infrastructure and the character of the surrounding area. Residents will have their first chance to weigh in on this significant Planned Unit Development (PUD) amendment and land use change at a public hearing on April 7, 2026, before the Hutto City Council considers the request on May 7. ## First Look: Data Center Zoning Debate The Hutto Planning and Zoning Commission will hold its public hearing on the Zydeco Hutto Data Center's PUD amendment request on April 7, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. at Hutto City Hall. This crucial meeting, announced by the City of Hutto on March 22, 2026, offers residents their initial opportunity to voice opinions on the proposed development. A PUD amendment is a specialized zoning tool that allows for flexible development standards, custom-tailored to a specific project. Unlike standard zoning, a PUD can redefine aspects like density, setbacks, and permitted uses, fundamentally shaping how a large, 40.762-acre tract like this will be developed. ## From Homes to Servers: The Proposed Land Use Shift Beyond the PUD amendment, the Commission will also review a Future Land Use Map revision for the 40.762-acre site at 450 Ed Schmidt Boulevard. This revision, detailed in City of Hutto notices from March 22, 2026, seeks to change the property's current designation from Multiple Household Residential and General Commercial. If approved, this shift would transform the area from potential homes and retail into an industrial or specialized commercial zone, specifically for a data center. Such a dramatic change could introduce significant new infrastructure demands and alter the economic landscape. However, public notices do not yet include specific operational details or architectural plans for the Zydeco Hutto Data Center, leaving key aspects of the proposed development unstated. ## Next Steps and Other Key Projects After the Commission's review, the Hutto City Council will hold its own public hearing on the Zydeco Hutto Data Center PUD amendment on May 7, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. at Hutto City Hall. This second hearing, announced by the City of Hutto on April 19, 2026, offers another vital chance for community members to provide feedback before the city's governing body makes a final decision. The April 7 Planning and Zoning Commission meeting agenda also features other significant land development proposals. These include a replat for Durango Farms Phase 1 Lot 2A, a 1.226-acre site on Mager Lane at FM 1660 North, and the proposed Penske Hutto Preliminary Plat. The Penske project encompasses 35.800 acres on Innovation Boulevard, with plans for four commercial lots. Details for these items, alongside the data center request, were outlined in City of Hutto notices published March 22, 2026. For more information on any of these proposals, residents can contact Hutto Development Services at 512-759-3479 or via email at [email protected]. ## Key Questions **What is a PUD amendment?** A Planned Unit Development (PUD) amendment allows for specific zoning and development rules to be created for a particular project, potentially differing from standard city zoning regulations. **How can residents get more information or provide input?** Residents can attend the public hearings scheduled for April 7 and May 7 at Hutto City Hall, or contact Hutto Development Services for additional information. **What specific changes are proposed for the Zydeco Hutto Data Center property?** The proposals include a PUD amendment and a Future Land Use Map revision for the 40.762-acre site, changing its designation from Multiple Household Residential and General Commercial.