2 data center projects in Unincorporated Hays County
Who decides here: the Hays County Commissioners Court decides on zoning for land outside city and town limits. Texas counties have very few zoning powers, so land outside cities often has few local rules.
In Unincorporated Hays County
Highlander SM One data center (Francis Harris Lane, San Marcos)
San Marcos, Hays County
200 acres
🕒 Feb 18, 2026: San Marcos City Council voted 5-2 to deny a land use change for the data center.
ProposedSabey data center campus (Centerpoint Road, San Marcos)
San Marcos, Hays County
786 acres
🕒 June 3, 2025: San Marcos City Council approved starting negotiations on a development agreement with S…
Reported in the news, not confirmed yet
Local votes and rules
📌 Other
Hays County commissioners voted unanimously to set up a review board for projects that use a lot of water, like data centers. Until the end of 2026, the county will hold off on optional approvals for these projects, such as tax breaks and development deals. The county judge said it is not a ban.
What you can do
- Get told first.
We'll email you if anything changes in Unincorporated Hays County. - Go to county meetings.
Anyone can speak. Big projects usually need a public hearing. - Ask questions in writing.
Use our checklist.
🔔 Get told first
⚡ Your electric company
Depending on where you live in Unincorporated Hays County: Pedernales Electric Co-op, Inc. (co-op (owned by its members)) or Bluebonnet Electric Co-op, Inc. (co-op (owned by its members)).
In much of Texas you can pick who sells you power, but this company owns the power lines.
Big data centers need a lot of power. Who pays for new power lines depends on state rules. See the rules in Texas.
🙋 Open tasks here
- Will the developer refile after six months (about August 2026)?
- Will the developer try to build outside city control instead?
- Has a development agreement been signed or voted on?
- Is the land inside San Marcos city limits or its ETJ?
- How much power and water would it use?