Latest Update (August 2026)
On August 10, 2026, the Roswell Mayor and City Council unanimously approved new regulations for data centers through an amendment to the City’s Unified Development Code (UDC). The ordinance took effect upon adoption.
The regulations establish standards for data center development in Roswell, including classifications based on electrical demand, restrictions on where data centers may locate, separation and landscape-buffer requirements, noise limits, water and energy considerations, public safety requirements, and decommissioning or repurposing provisions.
Roswell Ordinance No. 2026-08-13 amends the Unified Development Code to establish regulations for data centers. The ordinance received its first reading on July 27, 2026, and was approved unanimously on second reading on August 10, 2026.
Data Center Research and Regulatory Documents
The City’s work progressed from initial research, through additional findings and public review, to a recommended regulatory framework and the final adopted ordinance. The documents below are presented in chronological order.
The City’s initial comprehensive research report examines data center operations and scale, regulations in other jurisdictions, state legislation, industry perspectives, and potential impacts involving fiscal benefits, jobs, electricity, water, noise, and public safety. The report concludes with preliminary recommendations intended to inform development of a regulatory framework.
Following the public hearing process, staff documented additional findings and refined its recommendations. Among the changes was a recommendation to classify data centers based on electrical demand rather than building size, with additional consideration given to noise, separation from residential properties, and enhanced landscape buffers.
This memo consolidates the City’s research and recommendations following the earlier staff report, additional research, and Planning Commission public hearings. It outlines the recommended regulatory framework and serves as a bridge between the City’s research and development of the UDC amendment.
This is the final ordinance adopted by Mayor and Council following the City’s research, public hearing process, and development of a regulatory framework. Ordinance No. 2026-08-13 amends the Unified Development Code to establish data center classifications and development and operational standards.
Tree and Landscape Buffer Standards
The City’s adopted data center regulations require enhanced tree and landscape buffers to provide visual screening and help reduce noise impacts on surrounding properties. Depending on the data center classification, required buffers are 100 or 200 feet wide and must follow the City’s Tree and Landscape Buffer Standards and Guidelines.
These standards address the preservation of existing vegetation, layered plantings, evergreen screening, trees, shrubs, berms and other appropriate screening measures.
Background and Previous Updates
Historical record: The information below is preserved from the City’s original June 2026 article and reflects the status of the data center review process at the time each update was published. For the latest information, refer to the update above.
Original Article Content
Original Publication Date: June 6, 2026
The City of Roswell has proactively placed a temporary pause on new data center development while officials draft potential zoning and development standards to regulate the industry.
On January 12, 2026, the Mayor and City Council approved a Temporary Emergency Moratorium on the establishment of new data centers in the City of Roswell. The action stops new data center applications from moving forward while city staff reviews the issue and develops regulation recommendations.
Existing data centers can continue operating, and the measure does not affect legally vested development rights.
At the time the moratorium was approved, Roswell did not have data-center-specific regulations in its Unified Development Code (UDC).
The moratorium was extended in April and will expire June 26, 2026, unless extended. The City has no projects currently proposed for data center development.
Timeline
January 12, 2026
Mayor and Council unanimously approve a 90-day emergency moratorium on new data centers and direct staff to begin developing use regulations.
March 23, 2026
Mayor and Council approved a 95-day extension (to June 26, 2026) to the moratorium to allow staff additional time to consolidate research and findings.
May 19, 2026
The Planning Commission heard a staff presentation regarding research findings contained in a 27-page “white paper” on the topic. Staff also presented a potential regulatory framework to restrict operations within the City.
June 4, 2026
The Planning Commission conducted a public hearing to hear from residents on the topic of data centers, their potential impact on the City, and the regulatory framework needed to protect the community. The Planning Commission deferred the item to their June 16, 2026, meeting.
Staff will request another moratorium extension to allow time for additional research and for Mayor and Council to fully consider the potential impacts of data center operations. An agenda item originally slated for June will be administratively postponed. Mayor and Council may consider the item late July or August.
Staff’s investigation includes reviewing these issues:
- Zoning and development standards
- Infrastructure and utility capacity
- Environmental impacts
- Noise, lighting and other nuisance
- Land-use compatibility
Status as of June 22, 2026
At the June 22, 2026, meeting, Mayor and Council approved a resolution extending the temporary emergency moratorium on new data centers in Roswell by 90 days, through September 20, 2026. The extension gives the City additional time to review and potentially update its Unified Development Code (UDC), the local ordinance that governs land use and zoning, to develop standards specific to data centers, including regulations addressing their significant demands on utilities and potential environmental impacts.