The city revised its zoning code to add new restrictions for private detention centers, but the ordinance won't apply to federally operated facilities.
San Antonio's city council approved a series of changes to the city's zoning and development codes that regulate private detention facilities in the wake of concerns about federal immigration enforcement activities, reports Diego Medel in San Antonio Report.
According to Medel, "The ordinance updates multiple sections of city code — including building, fire and Unified Development Code provisions — to require notification and additional review for any private entity seeking to build, convert or operate a detention facility within city limits." It also regulates how close facilities can be to schools, homes, and other community spaces, and requires city council approval for any new facilities. "With the ordinance approved, the city will implement the new notification and review requirements for privately operated detention facilities."
City councilors admit that the new rules won't actually apply to federal property or facilities leased or operated by the federal government, including a proposed immigration detention facility on San Antonio's East Side, but will guide the future development of private detention facilities.
Read the full story: San Antonio City Council passes zoning, code changes for private detention facilities
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