Decatur City Council to consider ordinance limiting data center size

The Decatur City Council is preparing to vote on significant changes to a proposed ordinance that would limit the size of data centers within the city's industrial zones. This move comes as North Alabama experiences a data center boom, prompting city leaders to weigh economic growth against potential concerns regarding power, water consumption, noise from generators, and the overall quality of life for residents.

According to Planning Director Chad Bowman, the revised ordinance would mandate a comprehensive review of a large data center's impact on critical resources like power and water, as well as its effects on noise levels, safety, and citizen well-being. Bowman emphasized the need for a "balancing act," stating that while data centers offer community benefits, overly large facilities could intrude on residents' quality of life. He cited Huntsville's "micro centers" as examples, which measure around 10,000 square feet.

Some council members have expressed reservations, arguing that limiting data center size could reduce potential revenue for the city. However, Bowman contended that the negative impacts on Decatur's citizens would outweigh the monetary gains. He articulated the city's goal as finding a "healthy collaborating and working with data centers," acknowledging their necessity in a new age, while also prioritizing the welfare of the community to avoid simply "absorbing a lot of these data centers." Morgan County leaders are reportedly taking similar steps.