Cullman City Council imposes temporary moratorium on data centers
The Cullman City Council in Alabama has imposed a temporary moratorium on data center development within city limits. This measure allows time for city officials to study the impacts of data centers on infrastructure, environmental resources, and quality of life. The council is also considering an ordinance to prohibit data centers altogether and has referred it to the Planning Commission.
The Cullman City Council in Alabama has enacted a temporary moratorium on the development, construction, expansion, or operation of data centers within its corporate limits. The council adopted Resolution No. 2026-116 on Monday, June 22, citing a need to protect public health, safety, and the city's character amid the rapid emergence and potential proliferation of such facilities.
This temporary pause is intended to allow the Planning Commission, city staff, and consultants to conduct comprehensive reviews, public engagement, and potential updates to the Zoning Ordinance and other relevant regulations. Concerns highlighted by the council include data centers' significant demands on electrical power, water usage for cooling, noise from cooling systems, increased traffic, and overall strain on municipal infrastructure.
The City of Cullman is not unique in its action, noting similar moratoriums implemented by neighboring Alabama municipalities like Birmingham and Leeds. Additionally, the council addressed a proposed Ordinance No. 2026-42, which would prohibit data centers within city limits entirely, but has referred this more permanent measure to the Cullman City Planning Commission for further consideration.