New Athens zoning amendment addresses potential data center issues

The City of Athens, Alabama, is taking preemptive action to regulate future data center developments by proposing a zoning ordinance amendment. This move comes as communities nationwide grapple with zoning issues related to data centers, and Athens officials aim to avoid legal uncertainty by establishing clear guidelines. The proposed amendment would designate data centers as a conditional use within the city's manufacturing/heavy industrial zone. This classification means that data center proposals would not be automatically permitted but would require a formal request and undergo an additional level of scrutiny, including the potential application of specific conditions. The amendment process involves public advertisement and review by the Planning Commission, which includes a public hearing. Following the Planning Commission's recommendation, the proposal will proceed to the City Council for another public hearing and final vote. The proposed amendment is scheduled for discussion on the City Council's agenda on April 27.