US Cities Weigh Data Center Rules Amid Boom

Irondale is advancing zoning rules for data centers rather than imposing a temporary development moratorium, despite having no active proposal to build one and officials saying the city may lack space for a large facility. The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended Councilman Aaron Sims’ ordinance to the City Council, which is expected to vote in December. The proposal would require closed-loop cooling, limit daytime noise to under 50 decibels at the property line, set residential setbacks, and require council approval through a conditional-use process. Mayor James Stewart Jr. says permanent regulations are preferable to a moratorium, while some residents have called for a temporary halt; council members may revise the proposal before the vote.