The Walker County Board of Commissioners has extended its moratorium on data center development for another 180 days, giving county officials additional time to study the potential impacts of the facilities and consider changes to local zoning regulations.
Commissioners approved the extension at last Thursday’s commission meeting. The moratorium applies only to unincorporated areas of Walker County and will remain in effect until February 2, 2027.
The moratorium prevents the county from accepting applications for the construction or operation of a data center while officials review the county’s existing zoning and land-use regulations.
According to county leaders, the county attorney and staff will review the existing zoning code and develop possible amendments intended to “enhance, mitigate and regulate this specific form of land use.”
Among the issues officials plan to examine are which zoning districts should allow data centers, required setbacks and buffers, noise and lighting standards, water and electricity demand, environmental impacts and compatibility with surrounding land uses.
Commissioners also established a Data Center Development Standards Study Committee to provide additional input and study the potential impacts of data center development.
The committee will be chaired by the Walker County Economic Development Director and vice-chaired by the Walker County Planning Director. It will also include two members appointed by each of the four district commissioners, along with the president of the Walker County Chamber of Commerce.
The Board of Commissioners has asked the committee to complete its work by December 4, 2026.
The extended moratorium follows several weeks of public discussion and concern over the possibility of data centers locating in Walker County.
Approximately a dozen residents spoke during Thursday’s public meeting, with several expressing opposition to data center development.
Jonathan Stapleton, owner of environmental conservation group Bumble Bear LLC, questioned what benefits data centers would provide to local residents beyond tax revenue.
“Outside of tax revenue, what is a single benefit that they [data centers] will give to anyone in this county? There’s nothing,” Stapleton said. “Can any of you name a single benefit?”
Commissioners did not respond to the question. Stapleton said he believes the county should consider banning data centers altogether rather than extending the moratorium and studying potential regulations. His comments drew applause from the packed meeting room.
County officials have repeatedly said the moratorium was prompted by residents’ concerns about the possibility of a data center locating in Walker County. During an earlier discussion, Chairwoman Angie Teems said county officials had heard from one or two individuals about potential data center interest, but officials did not have the names of any companies.
Teems previously clarified that the county’s moratorium does not apply to municipalities within Walker County. Each city would have to take its own action regarding data center development.
County officials say the goal of the moratorium and study process is to gather public input, examine different types of data centers and determine whether changes to Walker County’s zoning regulations are needed before any future projects are considered.
The moratorium is scheduled to remain in effect through February 2, 2027.