Anniston Enacts 12-Month Moratorium on Data Center Development

The City Council of Anniston adopted Resolution No. 26-R-97 on August 18, establishing a temporary moratorium on the permitting, development, and licensing of data centers within its regulatory jurisdiction. The pause is scheduled to last 12 months, although the council retains the authority to adjust this timeframe.

As part of the resolution, the Anniston Planning Commission has six months to conduct a comprehensive study on the impacts of data center operations. The study will specifically examine electrical demand, water consumption, noise levels, and transportation requirements before providing formal recommendations to the city council.

City officials characterized the moratorium as a "prudent safety check" intended to ensure the municipality can accommodate large-scale data developments responsibly without compromising local infrastructure.