Central Alabama cities with data center moratoriums
Several cities in Central Alabama, including Birmingham, Springville, Leeds, Cullman, and Homewood, have enacted data center moratoriums to review zoning laws and address resident concerns about impacts and electricity use. Birmingham's moratorium, approved in March, exempts the existing Nebius data center. Additionally, the Town of Rogersville in Lauderdale County is considering a similar moratorium.
Several cities in Central Alabama have adopted data center moratoriums, preventing developers from applying to build new facilities within city limits. According to CBS 42's Sidney Spencer, four cities in the immediate area—Springville, Leeds, Cullman, and Birmingham—currently have active moratoriums, with a total of five statewide. Birmingham approved a six-month moratorium in March, which notably exempts the ongoing Nebius data center project along Lakeshore Parkway because its application process predated the moratorium's approval.
The moratoriums in Homewood, Springville, Leeds, and Cullman became active in June and are set to remain in place for up to a year. This allows these municipalities time to review their existing zoning laws, gain a better understanding of the emerging land use requirements for data centers, and determine what regulations are necessary before accepting new development applications.
City leaders stated that these actions are a direct response to widespread resident pushback against data center development. Concerns cited by residents include a perceived lack of transparency regarding projects, potential local impacts, and significant electrical consumption.
Beyond Central Alabama, the report notes that the Town of Rogersville in Lauderdale County, located in northwest Alabama, is also actively considering a data center moratorium, with a vote expected next month.