Nothing reported in Fort Payne City yet
Who decides here: the City Council of Fort Payne City votes on zoning. The DeKalb County may review big projects too.
Local votes and rules
🗺️ Zoning change
Council unanimously made data centers and big battery storage a 'conditional use' in industrial zones. Each project needs a public hearing, review by the Board of Zoning Adjustments and council approval. Small data centers that serve another business on site are allowed in light and general industrial zones.
⏸️ Pause on new data centers
Council unanimously paused data center development for six months to write zoning rules first. No data center had been proposed. The council can extend the pause.
What you can do
- Get told first.
We'll email you if anything changes in Fort Payne City. - Go to council meetings.
Anyone can speak. Big projects usually need a public hearing. - Ask questions in writing.
Use our checklist.
🔔 Get told first
⚡ Your electric company
Depending on where you live in Fort Payne City: Sand Mountain Electric Co-op (co-op (owned by its members)) or Fort Payne Improvement Authority (run by the town).
Big data centers need a lot of power. Who pays for new power lines depends on state rules. See the rules in Alabama.