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Council hears calls for moratorium, zoning safeguards on data centers
Summary
Speakers urged a moratorium and specific zoning setbacks to limit where data centers can locate; a community member said the city's attorney has proposed a moratorium and planning staff said setbacks and zoning adjustments are possible but require commission review.
Several commenters suggested a moratorium on new data‑center approvals and asked the council to adopt setback rules for industrial uses near homes, schools and churches.
One participant (S5) said the city's attorney "is proposing a moratorium here," citing other municipalities that have imposed temporary holds to study incoming facilities. Multiple residents asked that the council consider setbacks that would keep the data center a specified number of feet from residential areas and schools.
A council/committee speaker (S2) explained that setbacks and zoning changes are tools the city can use: "we can decide how many feet away from a residential area, these types of businesses can be" and suggested coordination with the planning commission to confirm land ownership and correct zoning. Planning officials (S8) said the plans had been presented only recently and recommended professional plan review before the council considers any ordinance or moratorium.
No moratorium or ordinance vote occurred in the meeting. Instead, staff emphasized the need for planning commission and ALDOT review and recommended follow‑up with a more complete technical packet for council consideration.
