The Data Center Divide
A policy snapshot ahead of the 2026 midterms. Mapping data center incentives, restrictions, and bans through legislation, regulations, and executive actions across all 50 states and 1,462 local jurisdictions.
City of Anniston
This restriction takes precedence while in effect. The rating below excludes temporary restrictions.
Neutral Data Center Policies
Anniston’s enacted measure temporarily bars permits for new data centers and expansions for up to 12 months, while generally allowing existing centers to continue operating.
Rating from Calhoun County as there are no scored current or future laws outside temporary restrictions for City of Anniston.
current law · City of AnnistonEstablishes an immediate, temporary moratorium on data-center permitting, approvals, licensing, development, expansion, and operation within Anniston’s regulatory jurisdiction, covering facilities involved in data processing, hosting, storage, retrieval, communication, or distribution of data.Anniston Resolution 26-R-97 (2026)
What this means
The measure would stop new data centers and expansions from getting permits, approvals, or licenses for up to 12 months. Existing businesses can generally keep operating, but may lose that exception if they stop for 60 days or more or fail to renew a license on time. This substantial temporary barrier fits a score of -4.
Timing
- Ends
- twelve (12) months from the effective date
The moratorium remains in effect for twelve (12) months from August 18, 2026, subject to abbreviation or extension at the Council's legislative discretion.
People behind it
- Planning Commission for the City of Anniston
Recommended imposing the temporary moratorium and was requested to provide zoning and regulatory recommendations for data centers.
- Council of the City of Anniston, Alabama
Adopted and passed the resolution establishing the temporary moratorium.
- Administrative service of the City of Anniston
Responsible for withholding permits, approvals, and licenses covered by the moratorium.
Restrictions & requirementsHide restrictions & requirements2
Imposes an immediate, temporary moratorium within the City's regulatory jurisdiction, requiring the City to withhold all permits, approvals, and licenses for the location, development, expansion, and operation of data centers. The moratorium lasts 12 months from August 18, 2026, unless the City Council shortens or extends it.
The business-license moratorium does not apply to a business currently operating in Anniston unless it ceases operations for 60 days or more or has an expired business license that was not timely renewed; either event makes the business subject to the moratorium.
Benefits & exceptionsHide benefits & exceptions1
Existing data-center businesses may continue operating despite the moratorium, unless they cease operations for 60 days or more or fail to timely renew an expired business license.
Sources
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