Irondale proposes strict data center rules over water, noise concerns
Irondale is considering an ordinance that would impose new zoning, setback, noise, water-use and infrastructure requirements on future data centers. The proposal would require larger facilities to undergo conditional-use review, use mostly closed-loop cooling, demonstrate utility capacity and pay for necessary infrastructure improvements.
The Irondale City Council is scheduled to give a first reading to Ordinance 2026-30, which would establish a framework for future data center development. The proposal divides facilities into three classes, limits the largest projects to primary industrial areas, requires conditional-use approval for hyperscale facilities and sets setbacks of up to 1,000 feet from homes, schools, parks, churches and waterways.
The draft ordinance also addresses water and electricity demand, noise, emergency response, hazardous materials and facility decommissioning. It would generally require closed-loop cooling, prohibit evaporative cooling, mandate water-conservation and drought plans, set residential-boundary noise limits of 50 decibels by day and 45 decibels at night, and make developers responsible for needed utility, transportation and stormwater upgrades. No specific data center project is identified, and the council is not scheduled to take a final vote at the first reading.