Fort Smith tightens data center rules, first German F-35 lands
The Fort Smith Board of Directors voted 6-0 to adopt stricter requirements for any future data center, including an 8-foot opaque wall, 500-foot setbacks, utility load-capacity documentation and two public reviews. City officials are also considering changes to water contracts that could restrict or condition water sales for data center use.
The Fort Smith Board of Directors voted unanimously to impose new requirements on data centers, despite state law barring local governments from outright banning them. The ordinance requires an 8-foot opaque wall around a facility, a 500-foot setback from property lines, documentation from utilities about electricity capacity and reviews by both the Planning Commission and the city board.
Officials also discussed adding language to Fort Smith water contracts that could give the city greater control over water supplied for data center operations. Deputy City Administrator Maggie Rice said the rules would apply to land within city limits, including property managed by the Fort Chaffee Redevelopment Authority, while directors indicated that additional restrictions could be considered later.