New Decatur ordinance will place strict new rules for future data centers

Decatur, Alabama city leaders have enacted a new ordinance that introduces stringent regulations for data center development within the city. The ordinance mandates that prospective developers undergo public hearings and secure a "special exception" permit, requiring them to address community concerns related to water consumption, electricity grid strain, and noise pollution. Additionally, the new rules restrict data centers exclusively to designated Industrial (Zone I) districts, ensuring they are located away from residential areas.

Before obtaining a permit, applicants must present a comprehensive project overview to the Decatur City Council for a formal recommendation, followed by final approval from the Board of Zoning Adjustment. Developers are also required to submit detailed health and safety studies covering aspects like fire protection, energy usage, noise control, and hazardous waste management. Decatur Planning Director Chad Bowman emphasized the thorough vetting process, aiming for data-driven decisions that protect the local environment while fostering responsible economic development.

While some residents express concerns about environmental impacts and proximity to neighborhoods, others, like local pastor Jacob Jones, see the ordinance as a positive step. Jones, who has previous experience in the data center industry, highlighted modern technologies like closed-loop cooling systems that can mitigate water concerns and suggested that welcoming data centers could set a positive tone for attracting future businesses. Bowman noted that the city anticipates attracting only small to medium-sized facilities, as it lacks the acreage for large "megasite" data centers.