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Birmingham council delays vote on data-center zoning after hourslong hearing; asks staff to return with revisions
Summary
After a multihour public hearing on proposed zoning rules for data centers, Birmingham City Council voted to delay final action for two weeks so staff can consider public requests to strengthen setbacks, noise and water safeguards and clarify enforcement.
BIRMINGHAM — The Birmingham City Council on Tuesday delayed final action on a proposed zoning ordinance that would set the city’s first comprehensive rules for data centers, after residents, environmental advocates and industry groups delivered more than an hour of public testimony.
Planning staff presented a detailed draft that defines five classes of data centers — from small “fiber huts” to hyperscale facilities — and attaches site, water, stormwater, lighting and equipment requirements. Staff said the draft includes 19 conditions for hyperscale facilities, including a minimum lot size, setback rules, closed‑loop cooling requirements and a prohibition on on‑site power generation except for solar.
“The purpose of this draft ordinance is being read today. It's not to halt progress, but to give it not a blank check,” Council President Alexander said during…
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