Decatur data center ordinance zoning restrictions
Decatur, Alabama is considering Ordinance Number 26-4647 to reclassify data centers as a special exception use, meaning they would require formal approval and be restricted to industrial zones. The initial draft proposes capping data centers at 10,000 square feet to protect the community's quality of life.
Decatur, Alabama is currently debating Ordinance Number 26-4647, which aims to reclassify data centers as a special exception use within the city. This proposed change would require data center developers to seek formal approval and limit construction to areas specifically zoned for industrial properties, rather than allowing them to build by right.
A key point of discussion during a recent council meeting focused on the size of future data centers. The initial draft of the ordinance suggests capping data centers at a maximum of 10,000 square feet. Decatur Planning Director Chad Bowman emphasized that this proactive measure is intended to protect the community's quality of life before large tech companies begin to develop facilities in the area. Bowman noted that similar trends of regulating data center development are occurring across the United States and specifically within Alabama, indicating a broader effort to prepare for and manage potential growth in the sector.