Fort Smith Board approves data center ordinance, but seeks more restrictions
The Fort Smith Board of Directors unanimously approved an ordinance requiring additional review and stricter site standards for data center projects, including Planning Commission review, board approval, 500-foot setbacks and eight-foot opaque walls. Some directors are seeking even tougher rules and legal options to use the city’s water contracts to control data center connections, including projects outside city limits.
The Fort Smith Board of Directors voted 6-0 to approve an ordinance adding new controls for data centers in the city’s industrial zoning districts. Projects will require review by the Planning Commission and approval by the full board, along with an eight-foot opaque perimeter wall, 500-foot setbacks and utility letters documenting capacity and proposed electrical load.
Directors André Good and Christina Catsavis argued that the ordinance should include more stringent restrictions, while Neal Martin and Kevin Settle supported approving it as an initial safeguard with possible amendments later. Settle also asked city administrators to determine whether Fort Smith can require board approval for water connections serving data centers inside or outside the city. Deputy City Administrator Maggie Rice said the city retains zoning authority over Fort Chaffee Redevelopment Authority property located within Fort Smith.