Russellville committee moves to draft moratorium, zoning committee for data centers through 2027

Council member Justin Keller introduced an ordinance on July 7 to create a temporary data-center zoning-code committee and to enact a moratorium on data-center projects within Russellville city limits until Jan. 1, 2028.

Keller told the finance committee the measure is a forward-looking step to put 'guardrails' in place so the city can write comprehensive rules for any future data-center proposals. He said the Arkansas Municipal League advises that cities are permitted to adopt temporary moratoria to allow time for zoning and rulemaking; he also noted state law does not permit a blanket ban on data centers.

"Arkansas law does not allow us to ban data centers," Keller said, adding that the moratorium would give the city about 18 months to prepare regulations, hold public forums and form a temporary select committee. Mayor emphasized there is no active data-center proposal at this time and urged residents to contact council members with questions.

Committee members expressed support for a public process and recommended city staff reach out to other municipalities and existing projects to gather examples. One council member suggested visiting existing facilities to evaluate noise levels and utility impacts; Keller and staff said several projects are under construction statewide but not yet ideal for site visits.

Keller said the draft ordinance would create an open committee and that public meetings would be scheduled for community input. Committee members discussed whether to pursue a standard three-reading ordinance schedule or seek a one-reading expedited approach depending on next-week timing; staff indicated work on the committee could begin in September or October if the ordinance follows the traditional schedule.

The item will return next week for further consideration; no moratorium ordinance was adopted at the committee meeting.