Foley puts six month moratorium on data centers to update ordinances, evaluate capacity
The City of Foley, Alabama, has enacted a six-month moratorium on data center construction. This pause allows city officials to update ordinances and evaluate potential impacts, including concerns over water usage, noise, and electricity demands on existing infrastructure. The city aims to establish clear guidelines before considering future data center applications.
The City of Foley, Alabama, has imposed a six-month moratorium on the construction of new data centers, including Bitcoin and cryptocurrency mining facilities and server farms. The Foley City Council approved this measure to allow city officials to comprehensively review and update existing regulations.
Mayor Ralph Hellmich stated that the moratorium's purpose is to ensure the city is prepared with coordinated environmental, zoning, and other guidelines should such industries propose development in the future. During this period, officials will focus on preparing ordinances and guidelines, and updating zoning ordinances and technical design manuals, particularly addressing water resources, air pollution, and noise pollution.
Foley's municipally owned Riviera Utilities already has policies in place requiring data centers to bring their own power to avoid burdening existing customers. The city confirmed that no data center applications have been submitted to date, emphasizing its intent to protect the community and environment from potential operational impacts while not restricting the legal use of private property.