Columbiana passes new zoning restrictions for data centers
News ClipWBRC·Columbiana, Shelby County, AL·2/18/2026
The city of Columbiana, Alabama has passed new zoning restrictions aimed at gaining more control over proposed data centers. The new ordinance was passed unanimously by the city council and will require data centers to meet dimensional standards, landscape buffers, as well as power and water standards. The changes are seen as a proactive measure by the city to have guidelines in place for future data center developments.
zoningenvironmental
Gov: Columbiana City Council
The city of Columbiana, Alabama has passed new zoning restrictions to gain more control over proposed data centers. The changes give the city power to set strict guidelines, including dimensional standards, landscape buffers, and power and water standards. This follows a town hall discussion about a planned data center by developer DigiPowerX, who was able to bypass some typical hurdles. Environmental advocates support Columbiana's proactive approach, as the city is believed to be the first in Alabama to enact such requirements for data centers.