Montevallo moves to set data center rules before any proposal arrives
The City of Montevallo, Alabama, is proactively developing new zoning regulations for data centers to make them a conditional use in M-1 light industrial zones. This initiative is being undertaken before any data center development proposals have been submitted, aiming to provide additional scrutiny for future projects. City leaders, in collaboration with Shelby County, seek to address potential concerns like noise, power, and water consumption while not outright prohibiting data centers.
The City of Montevallo, Alabama, is working to establish new zoning regulations for data centers, aiming to classify them as a conditional use within M-1 light industrial areas. This proactive measure, championed by Councilor David King, is intended to ensure any future data center proposals undergo additional scrutiny by the city's Planning and Zoning Commission and City Council, rather than being automatically permitted based on existing zoning.
King emphasized that this effort is not in response to any current development proposals, stating that no developers have approached the city. Instead, Montevallo leaders are moving to update their zoning ordinances to address emerging "hot topics" and concerns associated with large data center facilities, such as noise, significant power consumption, water usage, and impacts on natural resources.
The city is collaborating with Shelby County Development Services to draft the proposed language, drawing on the expertise of other communities within Shelby County that are also grappling with data center development. While not seeking to prohibit data centers entirely, Montevallo aims to implement safeguards that provide clear tools for future city leaders and commissions to evaluate proposals, acknowledging that technological advancements could make data centers more suitable for the community in the future.