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 Cullman
This restriction takes precedence while in effect. The rating below excludes temporary restrictions.
Slightly Anti-Data Center Policies
Cullman’s enacted one-year pause blocks new data-center proposals, including construction, expansion, and operation, while the city reviews impacts and zoning. Existing approved facilities and routine repairs are exempt; violations may incur penalties.
Rating from Alabama statewide as there are no scored current or future laws outside temporary restrictions for City of Cullman.
current law · City of CullmanCullman City Council adopted a temporary data-center moratorium on June 22, 2026.City of Cullman Resolution No. 2026-116 (2026)
What this means
The one-year pause would stop new data-center applications, including proposals to build, expand, or operate facilities, while the city studies impacts and considers zoning changes (one-year pause on any data-center development). Existing approved facilities and routine repairs are exempt, but violations could bring legal penalties, making this a substantial temporary barrier (each day a separate offense).
Timing
- Ends
- One year after adoption, unless extended or terminated earlier; exact expiration date not independently confirmed.
One-year temporary pause subject to extension or early termination. During the pause, officials review impacts and suggest zoning regulation changes with community input.
People behind it
- Jason Willoughby
Cullman councilmember who described the pause as proactive and said he knew of no planned data center in the city or surrounding area.
Restrictions & requirementsHide restrictions & requirements2
Pauses acceptance, processing and approval of applications for data-center development, construction, expansion or operation within city limits.
Violations are subject to zoning penalties and other remedies, including injunctions and nuisance abatement; each day is a separate offense.
Benefits & exceptionsHide benefits & exceptions1
Excludes already approved and permitted facilities, routine maintenance or repairs, internal modifications without capacity or footprint expansion, and uses outside the data-center definition such as small office server rooms.
Sources
pending · City of CullmanOrdinance No. 2026-42 is a proposed City of Cullman zoning measure that would place a permanent ban on data center development.City of Cullman Ordinance No. 2026-42 (2026)
What this means
If enacted as proposed, it would bar permits and approvals for building, expanding, or operating any data center in Cullman, making it an outright ban within city limits “No building permit, site plan approval, variance, or other land use approval”. The proposal was withdrawn from the Planning Commission agenda and was not approved, but the requested assessment treats it as enacted “the agenda item was withdrawn”.
People behind it
- Jason Willoughby
Councilmember and proposal sponsor.
- Wesley Moore
City Clerk who requested removal from the September 1 agenda.
- Michael Sullins
Planning Commission chairman who reported the September 1 meeting lacked a quorum.
Restrictions & requirementsHide restrictions & requirements2
Would prohibit development and operation of data centers in city limits.
Quoted proposal states no building permit, site plan approval, variance, or other land use approval shall be granted for development, construction, expansion or operation of any data center.
Sources
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