North Little Rock City Council sets new rules for data center campuses with amendment
The North Little Rock City Council has approved new zoning regulations for data center campuses, formally defining them in the city's zoning code. These changes allow data centers as a conditional use in I-3 industrial zones, requiring them to meet specific standards. The ordinance addresses concerns about utility strain, noise, and proximity to residential areas.
The North Little Rock City Council has implemented new rules for data center campuses, approving amendments to the city's zoning code. These changes formally define "data center campus" within the code and permit such developments as a conditional use in I-3 industrial zones. This means data centers must adhere to specific requirements before receiving approval.
Tyree White from Channel Seven reported that these new regulations are not a ban on data centers but a proactive measure to manage their development. A primary concern addressed by the ordinance is the potential impact of data centers on local utilities and the quality of life for residents. Council members emphasized the importance of being proactive, especially given national trends in data center expansion.
The new ordinance explicitly states that data center operations cannot strain North Little Rock Electric or Central Arkansas Water. It also includes provisions concerning noise levels and the distance of these facilities from residential areas. An emergency clause was included in the ordinance, making the new rules effective immediately.