Irondale moves toward new data center restrictions despite no proposed developments
Irondale is developing a zoning ordinance to regulate where future data centers could operate and require City Council approval through a conditional-use process. Mayor James D. Stewart Jr. said no company has proposed a data center, and the city is seeking permanent rules before its existing one-year moratorium expires.
Irondale officials are preparing regulations for potential future data center developments despite having no active applications or recruitment efforts. Mayor James D. Stewart Jr. said the proposed ordinance would establish zoning requirements and require City Council approval for any data center project.
The proposal was expected to go before the city’s Planning and Zoning Commission, with possible City Council consideration in November. Officials have not yet specified permitted zoning districts or limits involving noise, electricity, water use or proximity to neighborhoods, and no final ordinance has been approved.